The logo of Israel's Shin Bet security agency. Photo: Shin Bet.

JNS.org – Since the beginning of 2013, the Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Prison Service have thwarted 11 cases in which security prisoners directed operatives in the field to carry out kidnappings against Israeli soldiers and civilians. Those details were made public on Sunday after a court-issued gag order was lifted.

The majority of the kidnappings were organized by Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, with the purpose of negotiating a prisoner exchange to secure their release.

In about half the cases, prisoners affiliated with the Palestinian Fatah movement led the hostage-taking operations, while the others involved prisoners belonging to Hamas and other Islamist groups. The Shin Bet is currently conducting investigations against several of the suspected planners, according to Israel Hayom.