Bodies of missing Israeli teenagers found in West Bank

Israel, July 1 (IANS) Bodies of three missing Israeli teenagers, kidnapped over two weeks ago, were found Monday evening by Israel's security forces outside Hebron city in West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his diplomatic-security cabinet at 9.30 p.m. (GMT1830) to discuss the recent developments and possible course of action, Xinhua reported.

The bodies of Gilad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel, both 16, and Eyal Yifrah, 19, were found in a field north of the Palestinian town Halhul on the 18th day of search, The Jerusalem Post reported citing Israeli military's confirmation. There was a heavy military presence in Hebron.

The trio had been missing since June 12 from a hitchhiking station in Gush Etzion.

The area where the bodies were found has been declared a closed military perimetre. An emergency meeting of Israel's security cabinet will convene later Monday night.

Israel launched a massive search operation for the three throughout the West Bank and conducted operations against Hamas, which Israel held responsible for the abduction. Hundreds of Palestinians were arrested during the search operation.