Six indicted in Jenin area over rocket production cell

Three rocket test launches and one completed rocket body formed the core of the evidence presented against six men from the Jenin area on Tuesday morning. Prosecutors indicted the suspects, all men in their 30s, for building infrastructure intended to manufacture weapons for use against Israel and its security forces. The arrests took place over the last few months.

The investigation was a joint operation between the counterterrorism division of the Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District Central Unit and the Shin Bet. A formal declaration from the prosecutor's office followed the inquiry. During the process, investigators questioned the suspects and security forces seized specific weapons linked to the case.

One suspect admitted to establishing the network and defining its goals during questioning. He told investigators that the three test launches produced successful results regarding the power and range of the weapons. His testimony outlined a cycle where members examined the outcome of each launch, adjusted the rockets, and then conducted further trials to improve capabilities.

A second suspect confessed to helping the group acquire explosives. He also stated that he sold weapons to other members of the cell. Investigators believe the items recovered at the time of the arrests were supplied through these sales. This account helped map how the group obtained its materials.

The inquiry identified communication between the main suspect and an individual outside of Israel. The two used a messaging application to discuss the materials required for manufacturing explosives. The foreign contact supplied specific information on the components needed for the production process.

Security forces recovered an M16 rifle and a component from a rocket-propelled grenade during the operation. Officers also seized other weapons, along with documents and instructional materials. These papers contained guidance on producing both explosives and rockets.