IDF Eliminates Five Terrorists in Northern West Bank

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated five terrorists, including a wanted senior member of Hamas, in two separate counter-terrorism operations on August 14. In a statement published on Telegram, Hamas identified Fayez Daraghmeh as a fighter killed by Israeli troops in Tubas. Separately, in the town of Tammun, located approximately three miles south of Tubas, the IDF said Israeli Air Force aircraft carried out several airstrikes, killing four Palestinian gunmen.

During the counter-terrorism operation, a David ultra-light armored personnel carrier was struck by an IED, moderately wounding two soldiers and lightly wounding another two, the IDF noted. During the operation, troops arrested three wanted persons suspected of carrying out terrorist activities and confiscating five M-16 assault rifles, a makeshift submachine gun, and ammunition.

Expert Analysis

“The terrorist threat in the West Bank is growing, and the IDF’s response in the area of Tubas is an example of the rising danger that various Palestinian terror groups present to the stability of the northern West Bank. It is essential that Hamas and other groups do not gain a foothold in areas such as Tubas and expand their areas of operations and threats.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Hamas has ramped up its activity in the West Bank over the last six months. Multiple attacks attributed to the organization, along with counter-terrorism operations targeting Hamas members, indicate that Israeli forces are acutely aware of the escalating acts of terrorism perpetrated by the Islamist group. Concerningly, the uptick in West Bank violence is more than three years old, and an end to the escalation seems nowhere in sight.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Israeli Murdered in Jordan Valley Terror Shooting

Attacks perpetrated by terrorist groups have not been limited to terror hotspots like the northern West Bank. On August 11, a terrorist carried out a drive-by shooting near the Mehola Junction on Route 90, killing 23-year-old Yonatan Deutsch and wounding 32-year-old Anas Jaramana. Israeli authorities stated that two vehicles came under gunfire by Palestinian terrorists traveling in another car. Hamas later claimed they were responsible for the shooting attack in a statement published on Telegram. The following day, a Hamas field commander, released from an Israeli prison in a prisoner exchange last November, carried out a shooting attack that left one Israeli and two Palestinians wounded before Israeli troops killed him.

The incident occurred in the northern West Bank city of Qalqilya, where 18-year-old Tariq Daoud opened fire on an Israeli man outside a car repair shop, seriously injuring him and striking two Palestinians nearby. According to a statement from the IDF, Daoud was pursued by Israeli troops and was neutralized by Col. Netanel Shanka, commander of the Ephraim Brigade.

Related Analysis

“Israel Issues Warning Over Iran, Hamas Destabilization of Jordan and West Bank,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Eliminates Senior Hamas Member Directing West Bank Terror,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Terrorist Released Through Ceasefire Deal Strikes Again in West Bank,” FDD Flash Brief