Israel Launches Large-Scale Counterterrorism Operation in Jenin

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale counterterrorism operation in Jenin, named “Iron Wall.” The operation, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF, involves numerous forces from special units, Shin Bet, and Border Police, and will continue for several days.

The operation, which began with an aerial UAV strike on terrorist infrastructure, aims to restore security and prevent violence. Palestinian media reported at least eight deaths and 35 injuries, with Palestinian Authority security forces withdrawing as the Israeli action began. The offensive was coordinated with the Palestinian Authority, which shares concerns about Hamas gaining power in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), according to officials.

The Cabinet recently made Judea and Samaria an additional war objective due to growing security concerns following the hostage deal’s terrorist release provisions.

Despite Palestinian Authority security presence, sources indicate the IDF’s return to aggressive ground operations is necessary to reestablish control, making this operation one of the largest since the war began.

“Following Cabinet directives, the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police have initiated Operation ‘Iron Wall’ – a major military operation to eliminate terrorism in Jenin. This advances our goal of strengthening security in Judea and Samaria. We continue our systematic and determined action against the Iranian axis wherever it extends – Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Judea and Samaria. And our reach extends further,” Netanyahu stated.

A security source told Israel Hayom that the Jenin operation is of unprecedented scale, responding to immediate terrorist threats. The operation aims to maintain IDF freedom of action in Judea and Samaria while dismantling terrorist infrastructure. The security source described it as “highly significant,” involving intensified aerial measures, a full refugee camp closure, with its duration depending on developments.

The operation followed a fragile truce between the Palestinian Authority and terror groups in Jenin, ending a six-week standoff in the northern West Bank city and its refugee camp. The PA had been targeting the Jenin Battalion, a group of operatives linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to demonstrate to incoming U.S. President Donald Trump that Ramallah could maintain order in the West Bank, while also seeking to take control of Gaza from Hamas after the war there.

Since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, violence in the West Bank has escalated. The IDF has arrested about 6,000 wanted Palestinians, including over 2,350 linked to Hamas. The Palestinian Authority reports over 858 deaths, mostly gunmen, rioters, or terrorists, according to the IDF. During the same period, 46 people, including Israeli security personnel, were killed in terror attacks, and seven security forces members died in clashes with terrorists in the region.

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