BACKGROUND INFORMATION [provided by IDF Spokesperson]

Attributed to "security sources"

Two wanted Tanzim operatives planning an explosive device attack against
an IDF force arrested

During IDF and GSS operation in Nablus overnight February 10, 2005, two
wanted Tanzim operatives who planned to carry out an explosive device
attack yesterday against IDF forces in the Nablus were arrested. The
explosive device was handed over by the arrested and detonated in a
controlled manner by IDF sappers.

Mahend Hasin Mahmad Bushkar, 18, an Ascer refugee camp resident,
admitted in his investigation that he had been directed by senior wanted
Tanzim operatives in Balata refugee camp, one of which is Alah Mahmad
Ibrahim Snachra. The operatives gave Bushkar an explosive device
weighing 8 Kg to carry out an attack against IDF forces.

Abed Alcarim Fahri Mahend Mahfud, 19, is a resident of the Ascar refugee
camp in Nablus and Bushkar's relative. He was involved in the planning
of the attempted explosive attack.

The operatives arrested were on their way to carry out the explosive
device attack yesterday. They planned to detonate the explosive device
next to an IDF jeep near Nablus, but failed to carry out their plan due
to a technical problem.

The operatives who were arrested were directed by the Tanzim
organization in Nablus, which is sponsored and directed by the Hizbullah
terror organization in Lebanon. In the last few days, the Tanzim has
declared that it does not accept the cease- fire and will continue to
carry out attacks against Israeli targets.