Yoni Ben Menachem's Blog - נושא: Islamic Jihad

The Survival of the PA Despite the Oslo Accords’ Failure

30 August 2023

Although the Oslo agreement faced considerable challenges and ultimately failed to achieve its intended goals, both the PLO and Israel have refrained from canceling it, recognizing its historical significance and the complexities of the region’s security situation over the past three decades. Israel, in particular, made a strategic decision to maintain the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) governance in Judea and Samaria, acknowledging its importance in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The PA Chairman’s Efforts to Rebuild Standing with the Biden Administration

29 August 2023

Mahmoud Abbas, the Chairman of the PA is actively working to bolster his standing within the Biden administration and to reclaim renewed legitimacy for his leadership. Abbas is orchestrating a comprehensive overhaul of the PA’s institutions to fortify its influence on the Palestinian populace and to eliminate antagonistic elements within its security apparatus.

Egypt’s Efforts to Curb Targeted Assassinations of Terrorist Leaders

26 August 2023

Recent developments indicate Egypt’s active involvement in preventing potential targeted assassinations of key terrorist leaders. Specifically, Israel declined an Egyptian plea to commit to avoiding a reversion to the practice of targeted killings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders.
With the leaders of these terrorist organizations retreating into hiding in Gaza due to their apprehensions of Israeli strikes, they’ve taken unprecedented precautions in regions such as Syria and Lebanon.

Hamas’ Efforts to Undermine Settlements in Judea and Samaria

25 August 2023

The recent terror attack in the Hebron area marks another instance of Hamas’ ongoing attempts to undermine the settlements enterprise in Judea and Samaria, with the intention of causing its collapse.
Hamas has reactivated its dormant units to carry out shooting attacks against settlers.

Green Light for Targeted Assassinations of Overseas Leaders of Terrorist Organizations

24 August 2023

The Defense Cabinet has granted authorization to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Galant to initiate a series of measures aimed at enhancing Israel’s deterrence and quelling the surge of terrorism. High-ranking security officials predict that Israel will resume targeted assassinations of Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders abroad, leaving minimal evidence behind.

Hamas’ Attempt to Incite Terror in the Hebron Region

23 August 2023

Encouraged by Iran, Hamas is making efforts to inflame the Hebron region, which has remained relatively peaceful until now, through acts of terrorism targeting the IDF and settlers. The IDF must take decisive action to prevent the spread of terrorism into southern Judea and Samaria. This necessitates striking at the heart of the terrorist groups located in the refugee camps of northern Samaria.

The Role of Iran in Fomenting Terrorism in Judea and Samaria

22 August 2023

The surge in terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria can be directly attributed to Iran’s escalating involvement. Over the past two years, Iran has significantly increased its provision of instructions, funds, and weaponry to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, fuelling unrest and instability in the region. Iran’s objective is clear: it aims to incite a new intifada against Israel and transform Judea and Samaria into a fresh front for its hostile endeavors.

Hamas Establishes Rocket Production Infrastructure in Jenin

18 August 2023

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet are actively preparing a series of operations in the Jenin area to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure known as the “Al-Ayash Battalion.” This group is responsible for manufacturing and launching rockets aimed at Israel. Security officials in Israel emphasize that no terrorist enjoys immunity, and soon, the IDF will take action within the Jenin refugee camp, where members of this infrastructure are believed to be hiding.

Mahmoud Abbas’ Efforts to Reestablish the PA’s Position

12 August 2023

Mahmoud Abbas, the chairman of the PA, is actively working to restore the PA’s international legitimacy, which has been eroded over time.

Despite this, senior Israeli officials view his current actions as mere surface-level changes, criticizing his lack of resolute action against armed terrorist groups in northern Samaria.

Hezbollah’s War of Attrition

9 August 2023

Iran is driving Hezbollah into a protracted conflict against Israel on the Lebanese border, while simultaneously pushing terrorist groups in northern Samaria to engage IDF forces on another front of attrition. Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s actions should be resolute, even if it leads to several days of intense fighting on the northern border.

Despite this, senior Israeli officials view his current actions as mere surface-level changes, criticizing his lack of resolute action against armed terrorist groups in northern Samaria.