Six Jenin-Area Suspects Indicted After Probe Into Rocket Production and Tests

Prosecutors indicted six suspected members of a terrorist cell on Tuesday morning following an investigation into allegations that they were developing rocket production infrastructure for use against Israel and its security forces. The suspects, all residents of the Jenin area in their 30s, were arrested in recent months.

The investigation was carried out by the counterterrorism division of Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District Central Unit together with the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency. A prosecutor's declaration followed the inquiry, during which investigators questioned the suspects and security forces seized weapons linked to the case.

Investigators determined that the suspected cell had produced a rocket body and explosive devices and carried out three rocket test launches. The inquiry focused on the group's alleged involvement in setting up the means to manufacture both rockets and explosive devices intended for attacks against Israel and its security forces.

During questioning, one suspect acknowledged taking part in establishing the network and its objectives. He also described the group's rocket testing, telling investigators that the launches had yielded successful results in terms of the weapons' power and range. That assessment was provided in his testimony about the cell's activities.

According to the same suspect's account, members continued their work after the first tests. They examined the outcome of each launch, adjusted the rockets and then conducted additional trials. His testimony described a process of reviewing results and making changes with the aim of improving the capabilities of the rockets under production.

A second suspect admitted helping the group acquire explosives and selling weapons to its members. Investigators believe weapons supplied through those sales were among the items recovered when the suspects were arrested. His account formed another part of the investigation into how the group obtained its supplies.

The inquiry also found that the main suspect had communicated with an individual outside Israel. Through a messaging application, that person supplied information about the materials required to manufacture explosives.

Security forces recovered an M16 rifle and an RPG component during the operation, along with other weapons. They also seized documents and instructional materials that contained guidance on producing explosives and rockets.