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Israel Arrests Palestinian Workers at British Consulate


Pictured above, according to Israeli security officials, is Bassam Omri, one of the main suspects involved in the plot, 4 Jan 2011
Pictured above, according to Israeli security officials, is Bassam Omri, one of the main suspects involved in the plot, 4 Jan 2011

British officials say Israeli authorities have arrested two Palestinian workers at the British consulate in Jerusalem for alleged ties to a plot to attack a soccer stadium.

Officials at the British Foreign Office in London said Monday they are seeking confirmation from Israel that the two employees were arrested on charges of selling weapons to Hamas militants. The suspected weapons sales involved an alleged plot to fire a rocket into Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium.

Officials say the two men are maintenance workers who were hired locally. Israeli authorities have told Britain the arrests are not related to the Palestinians' work at the consulate.

The two workers are among at least five suspects arrested over the past two months by Israel's Shin Bet security service for alleged arms trafficking.

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