In an unprecedented move, the IDF had to utilize “Apache” helicopters to eliminate armed terrorists from the battlefield in Jenin. This was done to facilitate the safe withdrawal of IDF forces after apprehending wanted individuals.
Palestinian terrorism is on the rise, with the situation on the ground becoming increasingly violent, reminiscent of the second intifada.
A troubling development reminiscent of the days of the Second Intifada is the escalating use of large explosive charges by Palestinian terrorist groups against IDF forces.
Senior security officials have issued warnings, stating that terrorist organizations are actively seeking to exploit weak points in the IDF’s field operations.
Their focus lies in targeting IDF forces during their entry and exit from Palestinian city centers and camps in Area A. They employ large explosive devices placed on the roads to achieve this goal.
The objective is to impede the IDF’s freedom of action, enhance deterrence, and cause significant casualties among IDF soldiers.
Palestinian terrorist groups are attempting to imitate Hezbollah’s operational methods in Lebanon. Within the region itself, they have established explosives laboratories dedicated to producing large explosive charges intended for use against IDF armored vehicles.
On June 19th, an IDF vehicle in Jenin was targeted with a substantial explosive device, injuring seven soldiers. The device, weighing over 20 kg, was remotely activated using a cellphone.
The IDF is concerned that terrorist organizations will escalate their use of explosive devices and deploy them on major traffic routes in northern Samaria.
This new phenomenon necessitates adequate preparation by the IDF and the Shin Bet, including gathering accurate intelligence on these charge-producing laboratories, precisely identifying the locations where the charges are buried, and neutralizing them.
A security source estimates that if the political echelon does not promptly authorize an extensive military operation against armed terrorist groups in northern Samaria, alternative military measures will be approved against the laboratories responsible for producing explosive devices. This is to mitigate the threat to IDF soldiers and Jewish settlers.
According to Israeli security officials’ estimates, between 1,000 and 2,000 armed terrorists belonging to Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and Fatah are currently operating in northern Samaria.
During the recent IDF operation in Jenin, two senior delegations from Hamas and Islamic Jihad visited Tehran to meet with Iranian leadership and senior officers of the “Revolutionary Guards.”
Discussions revolved around drawing lessons from the IDF’s “Shield and Arrow” operation against Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, as well as strengthening cooperation in preparation for a unified multi-front battle against Israel.
Iran finds encouragement in the success of terrorist activities in northern Samaria.
Hamas officials claim that senior members of the “Revolutionary Guards” have promised to continue providing weapons and financial support to terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria through smuggling operations from Jordanian territory.
Ziad Al-Nakhala, the Secretary General of Islamic Jihad, hailed the importance of his group’s actions against IDF forces in Jenin.
He lauded the damage inflicted on IDF forces by the explosive device and asserted that the morale of the Israeli enemy has been compromised.
In recent months, the IDF has successfully carried out counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria with minimal casualties, apprehending and neutralizing dozens of armed terrorists.
The combat proficiency of IDF soldiers is remarkably high, despite the challenging field conditions and operating within an area heavily reliant on accurate intelligence.
Consequently, terrorist organizations are actively seeking new ways to disrupt IDF activities, striving to gain a tactical edge over IDF soldiers by devising novel terrorist methods.
In response, the IDF and the Shin Bet are now cognizant of the new strategy employed by these terrorist groups. In the coming days, security forces will concentrate on dismantling terrorist laboratories in Judea and Samaria.
However, due to the significant political pressure to avoid activities in Area A, the political leadership will ultimately be compelled to authorize a comprehensive military operation against the armed terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria. These groups seek to expand their presence, seize additional territories in the region, and destabilize the PA rule.
