Posted on 07/02/23
| News Source: Arutz-7
The IDF struck terrorist infrastructure in the Jenin area overnight Sunday, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said.
According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, “Security forces are currently operating in an extensive counterterrorism effort in the area of the city of Jenin and the Jenin Camp.”
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) spokesperson later said that, as part of an extensive counterterrorism effort in Judea and Samaria, security forces struck a joint operations center, which served as the joint operational command center for the Jenin Camp and operatives of the "Jenin Brigade."
The operational command center also served as an advanced observation and reconnaissance center, a place where armed terrorists would gather before and after terrorist activities, an site for weapons and explosives, and as a hub for coordination and communication among the terrorists.
Additionally, the command center provided shelter for wanted individuals involved in carrying out terror attacks in recent months in the area.
A diplomatic source said that the purpose of the operation is to "end Jenin's role as a city of refuge for terrorism." He added that the operation will continue as long as necessary, noting that the operation was approved about ten days ago, on the recommendation of the security establishment, by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense.
At the same time, Israel is preparing for the possibility that rockets will be fired from Gaza following the activity in Jenin. A security source said that Israel sent messages to Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in Gaza saying, "Don’t intervene because you are not the target. If you shoot, we will respond harshly."
Palestinian Arab sources reported a loud explosion that was heard in the area. The Palestinian Authority health bureau reported that two people were killed and 10 people were injured, including one in serious condition, in the Israeli strike.
It was also reported that the attack was carried out using a drone and that troops entered the city from several directions. Palestinian Arab media reported that electricity has been cut in large parts of the refugee camp.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is receiving regular updates on the activities in Jenin.
About a week and a half ago, Israel eliminated a terrorist cell in Jenin using a military aircraft, the first time in 20 years that an attack aircraft has been deployed in Judea and Samaria.
The terrorist squad, which was made up of senior Islamic Jihad terrorist’s, was responsible for previous shooting attacks.