IDF security raid exposes terror cell in Tulkarm with rocket, IED manufacturing capability

Following an extensive intelligence operation, Israeli security forces – including the IDF, Shin Bet, and undercover Israel Police units – uncovered a terror cell in the northern city of Tulkarm, seizing rockets, explosives, and other weapons intended for attacks on Israeli forces, the IDF Arabic spokesman announced on Tuesday.

The discovery was part of an investigation involving of several terrorists in the Tulkarm area who had carried out attacks against IDF troops with explosive devices in recent months. Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects revealed plans for future attacks on IDF soldiers in Judea and Samaria. 

❗️ROCKETS & EXPLOSIVES LOCATED

As part of an ongoing counterterrorism operation in the Tulkarm area our forces located:⁰• 🚀 3 rockets in various stages of preparation⁰• 💣 Explosive devices & activation systems⁰• 🧪 Explosive materials & production supplies⁰• ⚙️ Warhead… pic.twitter.com/xDjOYjbBC2

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) December 9, 2025

One terrorist, Ahmed Abu Samra, was involved in attaching an explosive charge to a “Panther” military vehicle in September, which injured several soldiers, in addition to an attempted attack carried out in a similar way against a David-type military vehicle.

Additionally, the investigation found that Samra was involved in an explosive attack on a military SUV in which the former Commander of the Menashe Regional Brigade, Colonel A., was injured.

Other suspects were also arrested, including Khalil Harisha, a resident of Tulkarm who helped construct IEDs, including the one used in the attack that wounded the former Menashe Brigade commander. He also provided components and the means needed to manufacture weapons for others in the terror cell. 

As part of the investigation, the security forces conducted a raid in Tulkarm on Nov. 17 in which they found three ready-made rockets, IEDs, and materials and equipment for manufacturing IEDs. One of the rockets was allegedly ready for launch. 

The military said the results of the investigation demonstrate the level of threat on the ground in Samaria and underscore the need for the intensive operations being carried out in northern Samaria.

הודעה משותפת לדובר צה"ל ודוברות שב"כ

לאחר חקירה מודיעינית ממושכת: שב״כ, צה״ל ומשטרת ישראל חושפים תשתית טרור במרחב טולכרם במסגרתה אותרו רקטות ואמצעי לחימה אשר נועדו לפגוע בכוחות צה״ל וביעדים נוספים

במסגרת מאמץ מודיעיני וחקירתי ממושך של שירות הביטחון הכללי, צה״ל ומחוז ש״י במשטרת… https://t.co/5dileCXAGy pic.twitter.com/mLQhW1EzIi

— איתי בלומנטל 🇮🇱 Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) December 9, 2025

The mayor of Kfar Saba, Rafi Sa'ar, who also serves as chairman of the Seam Line Authorities Forum, warned, “The rockets found in Tulkarm are a reminder that the terrorist organizations are working to acquire rocket weapons that will threaten communities and cities in the Sharon and the center of the country.” 

"This reality, in which rockets are hidden and located near Israel's borders, requires us to act to eliminate this threat as quickly as possible, and not to let up,” he stated. “The residents of the Seam Line and the Sharon area are entitled to security just like the residents of the perimeter and the north.” 

The head of the Lev HaSharon Regional Council, Eli Aton, also addressed the discovery of the rockets.

“For years, we have been warning the government that the security system at the community fences must be strengthened along with the security system in the Lev HaSharon communities, some of which are located a few hundred meters from Tulkarm,” he said.