Palestinians confront Israeli forces during clashes in the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli security forces arrested a senior militant in Nablus, West Bank, according to a joint statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israel Police on Wednesday.

The statement said that during counterterrorism operations conducted on Tuesday night, special police forces arrested Muhammad Bana, "a senior terrorist in the dismantled Lion's Den terrorist network," and weapons were confiscated.

It noted that during the apprehension, Bana, armed with an M-16 rifle and a spray grenade, attempted to flee and was shot in his leg.

The statement added that he was involved in shooting and explosive attacks toward the security forces in the West Bank and had planned other attacks.

In addition, the IDF's Duvdevan Unit apprehended Khalil Hanbali, "who was wanted by security forces due to his involvement in terrorist activity," according to the statement.

He was involved in shooting attacks against IDF soldiers, served as a key weapon supplier, and had also attempted to plan additional attacks, it added.

Israeli security forces have recently conducted frequent security operations in the West Bank.

Earlier in the day, the IDF said in a statement that its forces demolished the West Bank home of a slain Palestinian who fatally shot an Israeli soldier on March 22.

The Palestinian, Mujahid Mansour, fired at a passenger van at a junction west of Ramallah, causing damage but no casualties, and fled the scene, according to the statement.

During a chase that lasted about five hours, an Israeli soldier was killed and six other Israeli fighters were wounded. Mansour was eventually killed by a missile fired from a combat helicopter.

Israel captured East Jerusalem, along with the rest of the West Bank, in the 1967 Six-Day War. Under international law, East Jerusalem is considered occupied Palestinian territory, and its annexation by Israel is deemed illegal.