The Shin Bet security agency has announced the disruption of a Hamas-led network that sought to smuggle weapons and money into the West Bank using Israeli citizens. Several individuals from Kafr Qasim and Rahat were arrested for allegedly facilitating covert transfers of arms and funds on behalf of Ahmad Zarzur, an Israeli citizen residing in Turkey and acting for Hamas.

Investigations uncovered a sophisticated operation involving the transfer of cryptocurrency from Turkey to Israel, which was converted to cash and used to purchase weapons from dealers in the Negev. These arms and funds were then smuggled into the West Bank, with concerns they could be used to support attacks by terror operatives.

Zarzur reportedly exploited his family and social connections in Kafr Qasim to build the smuggling network. Indictments are expected to be filed against several suspects involved in the case. The Shin Bet highlighted the seriousness of the plot and the exploitation of personal ties to facilitate the transfer of resources to terror groups.