The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday. The IDF, Israel Security Authority and Israel Border Police announced the operation in a joint statement, but did not provide details. Two people were reportedly killed in an Israeli attack that was part of the operation, France 24 reported, citing the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
An Israeli military source reportedly told The Times of Israel that the operation began with drone strikes and was expected to last several days. The strikes were allegedly on terrorist infrastructure used by terrorist organizations operating in Jenin.
“This is another step towards achieving the goal we set – strengthening security in Judea and Samaria,” the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu he said. “We are acting methodically and decisively against the Iranian axis wherever it sends its weapons – to Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Judea and Samaria.”
Counter-terrorist activities of the IDF in the city of Jenin and the Jenin camp. (IDF Spokesperson Unit.)
Prior to the IDF operation, the Palestinian Authority (PA) had been waging its own campaign for weeks to re-establish control in Jenin and the neighboring refugee camp, which serves as a major hub for terrorist groups, Reuters reported.
Last month, while facing an increasing challenge in Jenin, the PA launched an ongoing operation against local terrorist factions backed by Iran, a crackdown that has sparked violent clashes and highlighted a deepening rift between the PA and local communities.
Palestinian Authority security forces vehicles block a road amid clashes with militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Jenin camp on December 15, 2024. (ZAIN JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
ISRAEL, HAMAS Cease-fire deal could allow Gaza terrorists to rearm
“Iran has been funding militants to buy weapons, and now the Palestinian Authority is acting to stop it. They have taken measures to block money and crush factions. The PA knows Iran will continue to support Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and this is a challenge they face. The time is right to confront Iran, especially after the wars in Gaza and Lebanon – the public mood does not welcome any military conflict with Israel after what happened,” said Mohammad Daraghmeh, head of Asharq News’ correspondent in Ramallah Fox News Digital in December.
Palestinian security forces stand guard during the funeral of Ibrahim Qaddoumi, a member of the Palestinian Authority who was killed during armed clashes between Palestinian security forces and gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp. (Nasser Ishtayeh/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
HAMAS RELEASED 3 HOSTAGES ACCORDING TO ISRAELI Ceasefire Agreement
The operation in Jenin comes at a turning point for The IDF’s war against Hamas in Gaza. As part of the ceasefire agreement, three Israeli civilian hostages were released on Sunday. Emily Damari, Romi Goren and Doron Steinbrecher have been reunited with their families after spending 471 days in Hamas captivity.
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The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Efrat Lachter and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
