Watch: Ex-Prisoners Caught with Millions in Terror Cash - This is Who Paid Them
Israeli police conducted a nighttime raid in east Jerusalem, targeting former security prisoners accused of receiving terror-related funds from the Palestinian Authority, seizing large sums of money and assets. The operation, part of a broader effort to disrupt financial networks supporting terrorism, underscores Israel’s commitment to combating terror financing.
In a coordinated overnight operation on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Israeli police, alongside the Anti-Terror Economic Warfare Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense, targeted the homes of ten former security prisoners in east Jerusalem. The operation aimed to disrupt financial support allegedly provided by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to individuals previously incarcerated for terror-related activities. Authorities seized nearly 80,000 shekels, $59,240, 8,946 Jordanian dinars, and an undisclosed amount in euros, along with four vehicles and a motorcycle identified for forfeiture under Defense Ministry orders.
The raids focused on enforcing administrative orders against individuals accused of receiving illegal payments from the PA as compensation for their involvement in past terror attacks. Police reported that the seized funds and assets were funnelled to the prisoners’ families as rewards for their actions, a practice Israel considers a direct incentive for terrorism. During one raid in the Old City, officers also discovered a substance suspected to be hashish, leading to the arrest of a resident for further questioning.
Chief Superintendent Yuval Kaminitz, who oversaw the operation, emphasized its significance in Israel’s broader counter-terrorism strategy. “Our message is clear,” Kaminitz stated. “The fight against terrorism extends beyond the battlefield and prison walls, it includes targeting the financial infrastructure that enables and rewards acts of terror. We remain fully committed to safeguarding the security of the state.” The operation reflects ongoing efforts to dismantle the economic networks that sustain terrorist activities, a priority for Israeli authorities amid heightened regional tensions.
This raid follows similar actions in recent years, as Israel has intensified its crackdown on terror financing, particularly funds channeled through the PA. The seized assets will undergo forfeiture proceedings, and investigations continue to identify additional beneficiaries of such payments. The operation underscores the complex interplay between security and economic measures in addressing terrorism, highlighting Israel’s multifaceted approach to ensuring public safety.