According to the Shin Bet, the Hamas cell planned to carry out kidnappings of and shooting attacks against Israelis “in order to bargain for the release of prisoners.” The investigation also led to authorities seizing weapons and large quantities of ammunition, including two AK-47s, three pistols and a shotgun.

Security officials said the terror cell revolved around its leader Ibrahim Abdullah Ranimat, a 58-year-old Palestinian who is currently serving a life sentence in prison for his role in terrorist attacks during the 1990s, including the abduction and murder of IDF soldier Sharon Adri in 1996.

Ranimat’s three sons — Fadi Ibrahim Ranimat, Muhammad Ranimat and Shadi Ibrahim Ranimat — were arrested by security forces. Additionally, security forces arrested J’ad Sultan, who procured the weapons for the cell; Haitham Hamidan, who stored the weapons; and Rami Rajoub, who was also arrested for plotting with Ranimat while in prison.