IDF Conducts Major Operation Against Terrorists in Jenin

Latest Developments

Israeli forces conducted a major operation in the Palestinian city of Jenin tonight, striking a command center of the Jenin Brigade, among other targets. The brigade used the center as a hub to coordinate and communicate terrorist operations between various armed groups and as an advanced observation and reconnaissance center, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Terrorists would gather at the center before conducting terrorist operations, and store weapons and explosives there. Individuals involved in recent terrorist actions in the West Bank also used it as a shelter.

The operation included airstrikes and a large number of ground forces. Casualties were reported among the Palestinians. 

Expert Analysis

“This operation will be a complex one for the Israeli military. The regime in Iran has helped its proxies prepare for this confrontation. IDF engineers must neutralize IEDs and other threats while the operation continues apace. While the risks are clear, the IDF has determined that the risks of not neutralizing these threats in Jenin are even greater.” — Jonathan Schanzer, FDD Senior Vice President for Research

“The West Bank has reached a critical state where the violence arising from Iran-backed terrorist groups is beyond the control of the Palestinian Authority. Although the consistent military efforts by Israel have yielded some results, it is evident that a major military intervention is necessary to eradicate extremist groups operating at the behest of Iran.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal 

Rare Airstrike in the West Bank

Violence from terrorists affiliated with multiple organizations — including Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades — has increased in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority has lost control of cities such as Jenin, allowing terrorist organizations to expand and acts of terror against Israelis to mount. Israeli forces have likewise increased the frequency of counterterrorist operations. On June 21, the IDF killed three Palestinian terrorists, including two members of Islamic Jihad and a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, in a drone strike.

Iran’s Investment in Terror

Terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank has grown as Iran saw an opportunity to increase its assistance to the area, providing terrorist organizations with financial support, technical knowledge, and training. In a July 1 newspaper interview, Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah said that with Iran’s help, the terrorist group has formed “combat battalions in all Palestinian cities in the West Bank.”

Related Analysis

“Unrest in the West Bank: More Than Two Years of Escalating Violence,” by Joe Truzman

“Israel Kills Three Palestinian Terrorist in Rare West Bank Drone Strike,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas-Linked Terrorists Attempt West Bank Rocket Attack,” FDD Flash Brief