JERUSALEM, Jan. 31 ( Xinhua ) -- Israeli forces have busted a Hamas militant cell operating in southern West Bank and plotting to kidnap an Israeli soldier, the army announced Thursday.

Israeli army and Shin Bet security service carried out a joint operation in recent months, which led to the interception of a 20- member Hamas cell in Hebron area.

According to a statement by Israeli army, the group of militants had planned to abduct a Israeli soldier so as to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel, and sought to establish a Hamas command center in Hebron for future attacks.

The cell's leader, according to the Israeli statement, is Nabil Taleb Ouauda, 32 years old, who was previously imprisoned in Israel for involvement in terror activities.

Another member responsible for weapon supplies, named Mahmoud Abu-Varda, was also previously jailed in Israel.

The investigation by Shin Bet revealed that the militants had received guidance and funding from Hamas operatives abroad.

Hussam Badran, their primary contact person abroad, was one of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in October 2011, in exchange for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Badran served 17 years for involvement in militant attacks during the second intifada, and was exiled to Qatar after being released.

During the joint operation, Israeli army and Shin Bet also confiscated weapons, including assault rifles, pistols and large amounts of ammunition.