Tel Aviv, Dec. 21 -- Israeli security officials said three Gaza men recently detained in the southern city of Rahat were not involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, contradicting an earlier announcement by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. See updated story.

Three Gazans who entered Israel during the October 7 attack and are suspected of involvement in terrorism were arrested this week in the southern Bedouin city of Rahat, Israeli authorities announced.

The arrests were carried out during a police operation at a compound in the city. Officers from a canine unit conducted a search of the site, where they located equipment and ammunition, raising concerns of weapons manufacturing activity. An iron lathe was found in the co...