Security forces intercepted a Palestinian squad that attempted to kidnap Israeli citizens in the West Bank, the Shin Bet indicated on Sunday, adding that the squad’s purpose was to negotiate the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jail.

The squad was arrested in an operation two months ago, according to the Shin Bet, and included nine members, all residents of the West Bank city of Ramallah and its whereabouts. It was led by 22-year-old Muhammad Ramadan, a resident of the West Bank town of al-Bireh.

Ramadan and several other squad members were indicted of aggravated abduction in the Judea military court two weeks ago, with two other Palestinians linked to the kidnapping attempts indicted for aiding the squad by informing them of approaching Israeli vehicles.

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According to the indictment, squad members attempted to kidnap Israelis on three different occasions, driving a rental car and equipped with a taser, tear gas, clubs and a replica gun.

For more, go to Haaretz.com

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