Israeli military launches large-scale counterterrorism operation in West Bank city
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a comprehensive counterterrorism operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday. The joint statement released by the IDF, Israel Security Authority, and Israel Border Police confirmed the operation without divulging specific details. Reports indicated that two individuals were killed in an Israeli strike as part of the operation, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry cited by France 24.
A military source allegedly informed the Times of Israel that the operation commenced with drone strikes and is anticipated to continue for several days. The strikes targeted terror infrastructure utilized by terror organizations operating in Jenin.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked, “This is another step towards achieving the goal we set – strengthening security in Judea and Samaria. We act methodically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it sends its arms – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Judea, and Samaria.”
Prior to the IDF’s operation, the Palestinian Authority (PA) had been engaged in a prolonged campaign to reestablish control in Jenin and an adjacent refugee camp, which serves as a significant hub for terror groups, as reported by Reuters. The PA initiated an ongoing operation last month against local terror factions supported by Iran, leading to violent clashes and exacerbating the growing discord between the PA and local communities.
“Iran has been funding militants to buy weapons, and now the Palestinian Authority is acting to stop that. They’ve taken measures to block the money and crack down on the factions. The PA knows Iran will keep supporting Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and this is the challenge they face. It’s the right time to confront Iran, especially after the wars in Gaza and Lebanon- public mood is not welcoming any military confrontation with Israel after what happened,” highlighted Mohammad Daraghmeh, Asharq News bureau chief in Ramallah, in a statement to Fox News Digital in December.
The operation in Jenin coincides with a critical juncture in the IDF’s battle against Hamas in Gaza. Following a cease-fire agreement, three Israeli civilian hostages – Emily Damari, Romi Goren, and Doron Steinbrecher – were released on Sunday after spending 471 days in Hamas captivity.
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Please note that the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit did not provide an immediate response for comment.
Contributions to this report were made by Efrat Lachter and Yonat Friling.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
