Israeli Counterterrorism Forces Preemptively Strike West Bank Bomb Facilities

Latest Developments

Israeli forces uncovered an explosives laboratory containing seven ready-to-use bombs and another cache of eight bombs concealed in a northern West Bank warehouse, according to an Israel Defense Forces statement on August 16. Both were located in Nablus’ Balata district. Using a controlled detonation, Israeli forces demolished the warehouse, which according to Palestinian reports also served as a Fatah headquarters. Israeli forces also safely detonated another bomb at the entrance to Balata.

During the operation, the troops exchanged fire with Nablus gunmen. Another Israeli unit came under a drive-by shooting near Nablus and returned fire, wounding one Palestinian terrorist.

Nablus, along with neighboring Jenin, has slid into chaos in recent years amid the loss of control by Palestinian Authority security forces and the funding of local armed groups by Iran.

Expert Analysis

“Almost 18 months after it launched Operation Break the Wave, Israel continues to have to strike preemptively at Palestinian terrorists in the northern West Bank — a testament to how effectively Iran and its proxies have built a lethal network there. These bombs might have easily gone off in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv or been used in battle against Israeli forces were it not for their detection and destruction.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“The Fatah faction’s connection to the Nablus bombs comes amidst discussions between Islamic Jihad and Fatah figures in the Gaza Strip. Fatah is clearly hedging between its traditional quasi-pragmatism and Iran-sponsored violence. One gets the sense that the faction is at a crossroads. The same might be said for the entire West Bank.” — Jonathan Schanzer, FDD Senior Vice President for Research

Related Analysis

“Hamas Caught Trying to Resurrect Cell in West Bank Village,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli SWAT Team Stops Palestinian Terror Squad,” FDD Flash Brief

“Post Jenin Operation, Questions Linger About the State of the West Bank,” by Joe Truzman