IDF Launches Broad Anti-Terrorist Operation In Jenin, Targeting Terrorist Command Center

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The IDF launched a counterterrorism operation in Jenin overnight Sunday, striking at terrorist infrastructure in the area, according to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said.

The spokesperson reported that “Security forces are currently operating in an extensive counterterrorism effort in the area of the city of Jenin and the Jenin refugee camp.”

צה”ל ושב”כ פועלים בשעות האחרונות במבצע מתוחם וממוקד בעיר ג’נין לסיכול טרור pic.twitter.com/JqE5w2OH38

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) July 3, 2023

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) later said that, as part of an extensive counterterrorism effort in Judea and Samaria, security forces had attacked a joint operations center, which served as the joint operational command center for the refugee camp and operatives of the “Jenin Brigade.”

IDF picture shows command center (red) near school and clinic

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, a 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.

Palestinian Arab sources reported a loud explosion heard in the area. The Palestinian Authority health bureau reported that eight terrorists have been killed and tens of people were injured in the operation.

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.

The IDF engineering corps has dug up a number of roads entering Jenin where explosive devices had been buried under the roads to target IDF vehicles entering the town.

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, but was postponed until after the Eid Al-Adha festival last week.

At the same time, Israel is preparing for the possibility that rockets will be fired from Gaza following the operation 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.”

So far, over 20 wanted terrorists have been arrested by security forces who raided homes. Palestinian Arab sources reported that a gun battle broke out between Israeli forces and armed terrorists.

לא מצליח להירדם.
חושב על החיילים הצדיקים שלנו שמסתובבים בסמטאות הצרות של ג’נין ומסכנים את חייהם. כל שנותר לי זה רק למלמל פרקי תהילים ולקוות שיצאו משם בשלום. pic.twitter.com/mh5uUagwLq

— מנחם קולדצקי (@nbjovsr88) July 3, 2023

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is receiving regular updates on the activities in Jenin.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on the operation and said, “Over the past hours, our security forces have been operating against terror hotspots in the city of Jenin. In the face of terrorism, we will take a proactive and decisive approach. Anyone who harms the citizens of Israel, will pay a heavy price. “

“We are closely watching the actions of our enemies and Israel’s defense establishment is prepared for every scenario. I commend the IDF and special forces for their determination and operations,” he added.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit advised the foreign press to stay away from the Jenin area: “Please note that the city of Jenin and Jenin refugee camp are an active combat area at the moment. For your safety, we advise you to stay in the designated press point set by the IDF Press Desk and keep away from areas of live fire exchanges.”

IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari commented on the operation in Jenin and said, “The enemy was surprised by an air strike in the heart of the camp, in sites it thought we did not know about. We were able to carry out the raid and reduce friction in the area in the initial hours.”

Hagari also said, “Explosives were found in the refugee camp that terrorists planned to throw at the fighters. We did not come to conquer the camp. This is not an operation against the Palestinian Authority, but against terrorism and the terrorist organizations in Jenin that embitter the lives of the Palestinian citizens there.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid voiced support for the security operation in Jenin: “I support the security forces who are operating in Jenin. We are all behind you. This is a justified operation against terrorist infrastructure, being conducted thanks to high quality and precise intelligence. The commandos, Paratrooper and Golani Brigades, alongside the Shin Bet, are operating against terrorist infrastructure and attempts to build Iranian-funded missile manufacturing sites,” Lapid stated adding: “Together with all the people of Israel, I pray for our troops.”

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 terrorists, was responsible for previous shooting attacks.

Two weeks ago, seven IDF soldiers were injured during an arrest operation in Jenin. The soldiers were injured after at least three powerful explosives exploded under the armored vehicle in which they were traveling.

The purpose of the operation was to capture two wanted terrorists from the Hamas and Islamic Jihad.