Arab media reported widespread arrest of Hamas officials on Thursday night in the Hebron area, in preparation for the Hamas anniversary day this weekend.
The IDF and the Shin Bet reportedly arrested several prominent figures in the terrorist organization, including former PA minister Isa al-Jabari and MP Mohammed a-Natasha.
Israel’s security apparatus is preparing for riots in Judea, Samaria and Gaza this weekend, and so have decided to detain the Hamas leaders in the PA as a restraining measure.
The arrests led to clashes between local Arabs and security forces, but the operation ended without casualties.
Israel is also preparing for riots along the Gaza border fence, as voices within Hamas have been criticizing the attempts over the past month to avoid a return to the Friday clashes which routinely result in lethal casualties.