Israeli military launches massive counterterrorism operation in West Bank cities
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a wide-ranging counterterrorism operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday. The IDF, Israel Security Agency and Israel Border Police announced the operation in a joint statement but gave no details. An Israeli attack during the operation allegedly killed two people, 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 attack reportedly targeted terror infrastructure used by terrorist groups operating in Jenin.
“This is another step towards achieving the goal we set out to strengthen the security of Judea and Samaria,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “We are methodically and resolutely opposed to the Iranian axis, no matter where it leads. Weapons are being sent to Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Judea and Samaria.”
The Israel Defense Forces conduct counter-terrorism activities in the city of Jenin and the Jenin camp. (Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Unit.)
Palestinian Authority under pressure due to rising resistance and popularity of Iran-backed terror group
The IDF action follows a weeks-long operation by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to regain control of Jenin and neighboring refugee camps, which are a major center for terrorist groups, Reuters reported.
Last month, the Palestinian Authority launched an ongoing campaign against Iranian-backed local terror factions amid growing challenges in Jenin, a crackdown that sparked violent clashes and highlighted growing tensions between the Palestinian Authority and local communities. A deepening rift.
Palestinian Authority security force vehicles block roads during clashes with militants at the Jenin camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on December 15, 2024. (ZAIN JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Israel-Hamas ceasefire could allow Gaza terrorists to rearm
“Iran has been funding militants to buy weapons, and now the Palestinian Authority is taking action to stop this. They have taken steps to block funding and crack down on factions. The Palestinian Authority knows Iran will continue to support Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and This is the challenge they face and now is the right time to confront Iran, especially after the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where public sentiment does not welcome any military confrontation with Israel,” said Mohammad Daraghme, Asshaq News Bureau Chief Daraghmeh said. he told Fox Digital News in Ramallah in December.
Palestinian security forces stand guard at the funeral of Palestinian Authority member Ibrahim Kadoumi, who was killed in armed clashes between Palestinian security forces and gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp. (Nasser Ishtayeh/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Hamas releases 3 hostages under Israeli ceasefire agreement
The operation in Jenin comes at a turning point in the Israel Defense Forces' war against Hamas in Gaza. Three Israeli civilian hostages were released on Sunday as part of a ceasefire. Emily Damari, Romi Goren and Doron Steinbrecher were reunited with their families after 471 days in Hamas captivity.
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The IDF spokesman's department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Efrat Lachter and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.