Israel uncovers Jenin rocket network, suspects admit testing and improving rockets, six indicted

Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Defense NewsA Jenin terror cell tested and improved rockets, obtained explosives, and received bomb-making information from abroad, leading to six arrests and indictments.Follow us on GoogleIsraeli security forces seen during a raid in the West Bank village of Salem, near Nablus, on August 2, 2026. (illustrative)(photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)NOVEMBER 3, 2026 12:20Prosecutors indicted six suspected members of a terrorist cell on Tuesday morning, after they were accused of establishing rocket production infrastructure intended for use against Israel and its security forces.The prosecutor's declaration was filed following an investigation by Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District Central Unit and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), during which weapons were seized from the suspects.One of the suspects admitted during questioning that he had been involved in establishing the network and its objectives. He also revealed that rocket launch tests conducted by members of the cell had demonstrated successful results in terms of the rockets' power and range.According to his testimony, the cell members did not stop after their initial tests. Instead, they analyzed the results of each launch and made improvements before conducting further tests, seeking to enhance the capabilities of the rockets they were producing.Another suspect admitted during questioning that he had helped the cell obtain explosives and had sold its members weapons, which investigators believe were among those seized during the arrests.Rockets at a production plant in the West Bank. (credit: IDF SPOKESMAN’S UNIT)As previously reported, six suspects, all residents of the Jenin area in their 30s, were arrested in recent months as part of an investigation conducted by the counterterrorism division of the Judea and Samaria District Central Unit and the Shin Bet.They were suspected of involvement in establishing an infrastructure for producing rockets and explosive devices intended for use against Israel and its security forces.Jenin terror cell manufactured explosives, conducted three rocket testsInvestigators determined that the cell had manufactured a rocket body and explosive devices and had carried out three test launches.The investigation also revealed that the main suspect had been in contact with an individual outside Israel who provided information through a messaging application about materials needed to manufacture explosives.During the operation, security forces seized weapons, including an M16 rifle and an RPG component, along with documents and instructional materials containing guidance on manufacturing explosives and rockets.Follow us on Google