IDF arrests 3 in Ramallah
Unclear whether operation linked to kidnapping of Eliyahu Asheri, reportedly held in Ramallah
Ynet has learned that a wanted Fatah al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades member was found in the home. Three Palestinians were arrested in the operation, but reports claim the three are construction workers.
According to the report a police officer in the Palestinian police and originally a Gaza resident was hiding in the house.
At first Palestinians believed that the army's entry was part of an effort to search for the kidnapped teenager. However, due to the fact that the suspect is a Fatah member, it seems links to the operation and the kidnapping are weak.
According to reports, the suspect was taken for interrogation by security forces.
Linked to kidnapping?
Various security apparatus in the Palestinian Authority are continuing to check to see if there is a connection between the two incidents.
In the meantime, a joint operations room set up by security apparatus in Ramallah in order to try and track down Asheri and see if he is being held in the city or in another area of the West Bank, continued to operate.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has ordered all of the heads of Palestinian security organizations to exert every effort to track down Asheri, according to Palestinian sources.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Popular Resistance Committees presented a picture of the identity card of Asheri, an Itamar resident, who disappeared from his home over the weekend.
It is believed he was kidnapped at a hitchhiker's post and is being held in the Ramallah or Bethlehem area. Samaria Division Commander Colonel Yuval Bezek arrived at the youth's home and promised his parents: "We'll do everything to help you."
Efrat Weiss contributed to the report