West Bank Terrorist Infrastructure Uncovered

Latest Developments

Operating in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested tens of wanted terrorists and seized weapons, funds, ammunition, and other equipment, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet said on December 14. During the more than 60-hour operation in Jenin, six labs operated by terrorist groups for manufacturing improvised explosive devices were destroyed, along with tunnel shafts and four war rooms used to monitor and gather intelligence on IDF operations.

Since the limited July 3 military operation to destroy terrorist infrastructure in Jenin, Israeli forces have conducted anti-terrorism campaigns in the city against well-entrenched terror groups. On December 11, an IDF drone targeted and killed four terrorists throwing IEDs at troops conducting arrests in Jenin and the surrounding area.

Expert Analysis

“We must not forget that before the attacks of 10/7, Israelis were experiencing the deadliest year of terrorism in almost two decades; most of the attacks emanated from the West Bank. This arena remains a serious threat. Iran-backed terror organizations have taken over whole areas of the West Bank and have increased their capabilities, adding terror tunnels and even rockets to their arsenal. The Palestinian Authority — deeply unpopular among Palestinians — has demonstrated that it is unable to keep Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other terrorists at bay. Therefore — in order to keep Israelis safe — the dangerous and unwanted task of policing deep in the West Bank falls on the IDF.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of Israel’s Program and National Security Network

“While the Israeli military is firmly focused on destroying Hamas in Gaza, eventually, it must shift its attention towards eliminating Palestinian terrorist organizations that have entrenched themselves in the West Bank. The exact timeline for this operation, however, remains uncertain. The presence of Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border might take precedence over addressing Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups in the West Bank.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

1,200 Hamas Members Arrested in West Bank Since October 7

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced on December 4 that approximately 1,200 individuals affiliated with Hamas were apprehended by the IDF in the West Bank following the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7. Halevi further disclosed that among those 1,200 Hamas members detained in the West Bank, a number of them were linked to grave past attacks, while others were involved in planning future assaults. In addition, the IDF said on December 6 that it had taken into custody an additional 16 suspects with ties to terrorism.

Related Analysis

“Israeli Forces Eliminate Two Islamic Jihad Terrorists in Jenin,” FDD Flash Brief

 “Israel Extends Pause in Fighting by One Day,” FDD Flash Brief

 “Mapping Terrorism in the West Bank,” by Joe Truzman