Joint IDF and ISA Operation in Jenin

 

IDF: Aircraft strikes terrorist infrastructure and armed gunmen

During the joint IDF and ISA operation, IDF aircraft struck terrorist infrastructure targets and armed gunmen in the Jenin camp

During the joint IDF and ISA operation, IDF aircraft struck terrorist infrastructure and gunmen in the Jenin Camp several times to counter the threats. In addition, the forces targeted a weapons production and explosive device storage facility.

Furthermore, the forces located and confiscated an improvised rocket launcher along with additional weapons.

Exchanges of fire with gunmen continue at the scene.

"Israeli security forces will continue to operate as necessary to thwart the threat of terrorism in the area", the IDF announced.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373598

'Extensive counterterrorism effort': IDF strikes joint terror operations center in Jenin

Security forces launch extensive counterterrorism effort in the Jenin area. PA sources report three terrorists dead.

The IDF launched a counterterrorism operation in Jenin overnight Sunday, in part of which it struck terrorist infrastructure in the area, 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, 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 that was heard in the area. The Palestinian Authority health bureau reported that three terrorists 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 camp.

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.”

So far, about 15 wanted terrorists have been arrested by the security forces who raided homes. Palestinian Arab sources reported that a gun battle broke out between the Israeli forces and armed terrorists.

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 ISA 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 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 Commando, 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 from Jenin on its way to carry out a terror attack 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.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373579