Seven Palestinians were arrested after an altercation near Moreno Farm close to Beitar Illit; police recovered assault rifles and incendiary materials hidden in nearby bushes. One Israeli sustained a minor arm injury and the detainees are being held for questioning. The arrests follow a series of West Bank attacks earlier in the week that left several people wounded and two Israelis dead, prompting temporary movement restrictions for Palestinian workers. Authorities say the seized items will be analyzed as part of a wider investigation.
Seven Palestinians Arrested Near Beitar Illit; Assault Weapons and Incendiary Materials Seized
Israeli security forces investigate the scene of a violent incident between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank, near Beitar Illit. Image released on July 26, 2026. (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON
Seven Palestinian suspects were detained on Saturday night after an altercation near Moreno Farm, close to Beitar Illit in the West Bank, during which authorities say an Israeli citizen was attacked.
Police responded to reports of a violent outbreak at the farm on Saturday evening. After an initial investigation, officers concluded the suspects likely approached a group of Israelis and provoked the confrontation. One Israeli sustained a minor arm injury and received medical treatment.
Knife seized by Israeli security forces following a skirmish between Israelis and Palestinians. Image released July 26, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
Israeli security teams searching the scene recovered assault weapons and incendiary materials concealed in nearby bushes. The items were confiscated and logged as evidence as part of the ongoing inquiry. Images released by authorities on July 26, 2026, show the detained suspects and some of the objects recovered.
Detentions and Ongoing Investigation
All seven suspects were taken into custody for further questioning. Security officials said the weapons and incendiary devices will be examined and traced as investigators work to establish the events that led to the clash.
Palestinian suspects are seen following their arrest near Beitar Illit in an image released on July 26, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Context: Series Of West Bank Attacks
The arrests come amid tightened movement measures: the Israel Defense Forces has temporarily barred Palestinian workers from entering Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria following a string of attacks across the West Bank over Thursday and Friday.
Among recent incidents: on Thursday morning, 51-year-old Itamar Cohen was seriously wounded after two suspects allegedly stabbed him in the chest at the Derech Avraham Farm near Elon Moreh. Later the same day, a man was stabbed in the leg in the Ganim area and the suspected assailant was subsequently shot dead by IDF soldiers.
On Friday morning, a shooting near Gilad Farm—southwest of Nablus—left two Israelis dead and several others wounded. The two killed were identified as 32-year-old Benayahu Melet and 27-year-old Major Yuval Ezra. Separately on Saturday, two Israeli men, one an active-duty soldier, were injured at Susiya Junction after stones were thrown and a weapon was taken from the group.
Security forces said they are continuing to investigate the weekend incidents and that the recent detentions and seizures are part of a broader effort to restore order and determine accountability.
Note: Names, locations and details are based on statements released by Israeli security officials and are subject to verification as investigations proceed.
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