IDF Finds Bomb Hidden in Baby Carriage in West Bank

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered a bomb concealed in a baby carriage during a raid against terrorists in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, according to footage released on September 4. The IDF has been operating since August 28 against emerging terrorist threats in the northern West Bank. “So far, according to the IDF, more than 30 gunmen have been killed in the operation, among them the head of Hamas in Jenin and the head of Islamic Jihad in the Tulkarm area,” The Times of Israel reported. The IDF released footage on September 4 from the ongoing operation, showing a bomb-making lab in Tulkarem and an explosive booby trap placed on a road. Terrorists in the West Bank, backed by Iran, have been increasingly turning to improvised explosive devices for their attacks against Israeli troops.

Expert Analysis

“Palestinian terror groups in the West Bank have been seeking to set down roots in numerous cities and towns and increase their threats in recent months. The IDF launched an operation aimed at pre-empting this growing terror wave, which uses smuggled weapons and explosives. It is essential that they not be able to carve out zones of control that will destabilize the West Bank and threaten the region.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Palestinian terrorists’ utter disregard for the sanctity of life has led to unfortunate civilian deaths in this war. How is Israel supposed to avoid civilian casualties when the other side uses strollers as bombs? This is just one of many cases demonstrating that Israel’s enemies are ruthless.” — David May, FDD Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

IDF Eliminates Terrorists in Drone Strike

The IDF has used drones to track and eliminate terrorists in the West Bank in a series of strikes aimed at confronting Palestinian terrorist groups. The IDF “confirmed that among the terrorists that were eliminated during the operation is Muhammad Zakaria Zubeidi, a significant terrorist from the Jenin area of the West Bank who took part in a shooting attack in the area of the security fence and terrorist activity against IDF soldiers throughout the West Bank,” Israel’s Ynet media reported. Zubeidi is the son of Zakaria Zubeidi, who was a key terrorist leader in Jenin during the Second Intifada more than 20 years ago. The IDF said that terrorists tried to target Israeli forces with explosive devices in the area of Fara’a camp southeast of Jenin.

Related Analysis

“West Bank Palestinian Terrorist Kills Three Israeli Police Officers,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Eliminates Hamas Commander in Jenin,” FDD Flash Brief

“Palestinian Terrorists Unleash Twin Car Bombings in West Bank,” FDD Flash Brief