The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday. The IDF, Israel Security Authority and Israel Border Police announced the operation in a joint statement, but did not provide details. An Israeli strike that was part of the operation is said to have killed two people, France 24 reported, citing the Palestinian Health Ministry.
An Israeli military source reportedly told the Times of Israel that the operation began with drone strikes and is expected to last several days. The attacks reportedly took place on terror infrastructure used by terror organizations operating in Jenin.
“This is another step toward achieving the goal we have set: strengthening security in Judea and Samaria,” the Israeli Prime Minister said Benjamin Netanyahu said. “We are acting methodically and decisively against the Iranian axis wherever it sends its weapons – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Judea and Samaria.”
IDF counter-terrorism activities in Jenin city and Jenin camp. (IDF Spokespersons Unit.)
Before the IDF operation, the Palestinian Authority (PA) waged a weeks-long campaign of its own to reassert control in Jenin and a neighboring refugee camp, which serves as a key hub for terror groups, Reuters reported.
Facing a growing challenge in Jenin, the PA launched an ongoing operation against it last month local terrorist factions backed by Iran, a crackdown that has led to violent clashes and highlighted the growing rift between the PA and local communities.
Palestinian Authority security force vehicles block a road amid clashes with militants in the Jenin camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on December 15, 2024. (ZAIN JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
ISRAEL AND HAMAS CREEP-FEAR AGREEMENT COULD ALLOW REARMMENT OF GAZA TERRORISTS
“Iran has funded militants to buy weapons, and now the Palestinian Authority is acting to stop that. They have taken measures to block the money and crack down on the factions. The PA knows that Iran will continue to support Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and this is the challenge they face. It is the right time to confront Iran, especially after the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. The public mood does not welcome any military confrontation with Israel after what happened,” Mohammad Daraghmeh, head of the Asharq News bureau in Ramallah, told Fox News Digital in December.
Palestinian security forces stand guard during the funeral of Ibrahim Qaddoumi, a member of the Palestinian Authority who was killed during armed clashes between Palestinian security forces and gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp. (Nasser Ishtayeh/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Hamas releases three hostages under ceasefire deal with Israel
The operation in Jenin comes at a turning point for the IDF’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Three Israeli civilian hostages were released on Sunday as part of a ceasefire. Emily Damari, Romi Goren and Doron Steinbrecher were reunited with their families after spending 471 days in Hamas captivity.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The IDF Spokespersons Unit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Efrat Lachter and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
