Palestinian Terrorists Fire Rockets at Israeli Community

Latest Developments

A new Palestinian terrorist organization known as the Ayyash Battalion claimed responsibility for launching a rocket toward the northern Israeli community of Ram-On on July 27. The attack caused no casualties or damage. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the discovery of remnants of the Qassam-1 rocket near the Palestinian village of Silat al-Harithiya in the northern West Bank.

While rocket attacks on Israel have traditionally originated from Gaza, the Jewish state has been sounding the alarm about new rocket threats in the West Bank over the past two years. The IDF carried out an extensive operation in Jenin in early July to combat increased terrorist activity from the territory.

Expert Analysis

“Iran’s dream come true is an Israel surrounded by rockets on every front, including from the West Bank. American policymakers need a plan to help Israel prevent that from happening.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

“A worrisome situation is emerging in the West Bank, where violence has escalated from firearms to improvised explosive devices and now includes the use of rockets. The ongoing violence suggests that more advanced weaponry may soon be introduced on the ground, leading to greater levels of devastation and loss of life.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Repeated Rocket Attacks

The Ayyash Battalion first emerged in June. On June 7, the group said it launched a rocket at the Israeli community of Shaked in the northern West Bank. A week later, the group claimed it targeted the border area of Israel and the northern West Bank with a rocket. On July 10, the Ayyash Battalion claimed responsibility for firing two rockets toward Shaked. No casualties or damage resulted from any of these attacks.

Iran Invests in West Bank Terror

Iran-backed terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank has grown since June 2021. By providing financial support, technical knowledge, and training, Tehran has facilitated efforts by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist organizations to attack Israeli targets. The rise of the Ayyash Battalion suggests that Tehran’s backing of terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank is having tangible results on the ground.

Related Analysis

“Iran and its Network of Nineteen Terrorist Organizations on Israel’s Borders,” by Joe Truzman

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

“Mapping West Bank Terrorism,” Joe Truzman