The IDF continues its “Iron Wall” operation with intensive operations in two major cities – Jenin and Tulkarm – in order to thwart the terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria. As part of the operation, 15 terrorists were killed, 40 wanted persons were arrested, and dozens of weapons labs were destroyed, the IDF and the Shin Bet said on Monday. At the same time, in Tulkarem, Ihab Abu ‘Atiwi, a senior Hamas terrorist organization, was killed in an air strike. Abu ‘Atiwi was responsible for attacks and attempts to smuggle weapons.
The Background: The attack on the Iranian axis in Judea and Samaria
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to the start of the operation, declared: “This is another step toward achieving the goal we set – strengthening security in Judea and Samaria. We are working systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it sends its arms – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria.”
A senior military official related to the operation explained the background: “We set out on a ploy that allowed the terrorists to be trapped inside the Jenin refugee camp without being able to escape,” he said, “as soon as we identified the need to act against the ability of the terrorists, we decided to go on our way without waiting for the intention to attack.”
Surprising findings and extensive operational activity
During the operation, the commandos located and destroyed dozens of IEDs, some of which were hidden in unexpected places. In one of the buildings in Jenin, a cargo was found inside a washing machine, and in another place, an observation tank was discovered, containing gas balloons used to make IEDs. At the same time, IDF forces destroyed additional charges placed on the hinges and threatened the security of the forces.
As part of the activity, the commander of the Central Command, General Avi Blut, and other commanders held an assessment of the situation in Jenin. The presence of senior IDF officials on the ground emphasizes the importance of the operation and the determination to continue the activity to thwart terrorism.
The Assassination in Tulkarem: A Severe hit on Hamas
In addition to the activity in Jenin, the IDF announced today that the Air Force carried out an air strike in Tulkarm, in which Ihab Abu ‘Attiwi, commander of the Hamas military wing in the Nur Shams refugee camp, was assassinated. Abu ‘Attiwi, who was involved in planning and carrying out attacks against Israel, is considered a key figure in the terrorist infrastructure in the region.
According to intelligence sources, the assassination of Abu ‘Atiwi is a significant blow to Hamas’ operational capabilities in Tulkarm and is a central part of promoting the targets of Operation Iron Wall.
