The IDF, Israel Securoty Agency (ISA) and Israel Police launched a large-scale operation in Shechem (Nablus) Tuesday night, arresting 29 Hamas terrorists suspected of planning attacks against Israel.

Those arrested include senior Hamas men and ex-convicts.

The defense establishment believes that these men intended to carry out attacks under the guidance of Hamas’s overseas arm, and with its funding.

There has been an increase in Hamas activity in Shechem recently, according to security sources.

The men who were arrested were taken to ISA interrogation.

The IDF carried out numerous arrests in Judea and Samaria Monday night, too, and 17 wanted men were taken to interrogation.

The Israel Security Agency (ISA or Shin Bet), the IDF, and the Israel Police busted a Hamas cell planning major attacks during Purim, it was cleared for publication on Tuesday.

The cell was planning to shoot IDF soldiers on patrol near the Arab settlement of Abu Dis, just outside Jerusalem.

Members bought a Hyundai Elantra for the attack, carried out target practice and gathered information about their targets, but were arrested before being able to successfully launch their assault. Police also confiscated a weapons cache during the bust, including a Kalashnikov and a 9 mm handgun and 40 rounds of ammunition.