February 4, 2025 | Flash Brief
‘Necessity of Counterterrorism’: IDF Pledges to Continue West Bank Operations After Two Soldiers Killed in Terrorist Assault
February 4, 2025 | Flash Brief
‘Necessity of Counterterrorism’: IDF Pledges to Continue West Bank Operations After Two Soldiers Killed in Terrorist Assault
Latest Developments
- 2 IDF Soldiers Killed, 8 Wounded: A gunman ambushed two IDF soldiers as they emerged from an encampment near Tayasir, in the northern West Bank, at dawn on Feb. 4. He then proceeded to storm the position and its pillbox, exchanging fire with troops until he was killed. Two soldiers — both reservists — were shot dead and eight others wounded. The IDF reported the names of the slain soldiers as reserve Sgt. Maj. Ofer Yung, 39, and reserve Sgt. Maj. Avraham Tzvi Tzvika Friedman, 43.
- Regional Sweep: There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which took place two weeks into Operation Iron Wall, an Israeli counterterrorism sweep in nearby Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tamun. The chief of Israeli forces in the West Bank, Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth, appeared to link the two and vowed to press the operation until Palestinian terrorist cells in the area are destroyed. The incident demonstrated the “necessity of the counterterrorism operation in Judea and Samaria and the need to eradicate the terrorism that has taken root in northern Samaria,” Bluth said.
- Terrorist Recidivism: With another Gaza hostage-for-prisoners deal under way, Israeli media published findings regarding the previous deal, in November 2023, under which 152 jailed Palestinian terrorists were released. According to the reports, dozens of them took up arms again, with 33 of them detained and four killed by Israeli forces.
FDD Expert Response
“Israel is finally applying real pressure to the terrorist strongholds of the northern West Bank. Dozens of gunmen have been killed, captured, or forced into hiding. However, one managed to exploit a vulnerability in a peripheral IDF lookout position, underscoring the need for constant vigilance. These operations may need to continue for months to dismantle the terror infrastructure fully.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO
“The attack on the Tayasir checkpoint by an unidentified terrorist should concern the IDF. Evidence suggests that the suspect planned the attack and was familiar with the post’s layout. This type of infiltration into a seemingly protected IDF area of operation is rare. Nevertheless, there is no indication that any of the numerous terrorist groups that are active in the northern West Bank were responsible for orchestrating the attack. This assessment could change as new information comes to light.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
“Checkpoints and restrictions in the West Bank are responses to Palestinian terrorism, not the other way around. Attacks like the one at Tayasir make Israelis less safe and increase constraints on Palestinians. When terrorism recedes, so will the checkpoints.” — David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst
FDD Background and Analysis
“Palestinian terrorist groups react to Israel’s latest West Bank operation,” by Joe Truzman
“During Ongoing Jenin Operation, IDF Eliminates Terrorists Who Killed Three Israelis,” FDD Flash Brief
“West Bank terrorism persists, IDF launches operation in Jenin,” by Joe Truzman
“More Than 1,000 Terror Attacks in West Bank and Jerusalem Thwarted in 2024,” FDD Flash Brief
“Palestinian Terrorist Murders Israeli Boy in West Bank Shooting,” FDD Flash Brief