Israeli Forces Neutralize 15 Terrorists, Arrest 40 in Jenin Counterterrorism Operation

IDF and Shin Bet uncover bomb-making materials, eliminate Hamas operatives in coordinated efforts

Tel Aviv [Israel], January 28: Israeli security forces have eliminated 15 Palestinian terrorists and arrested 40 wanted suspects during a major counterterrorism operation in the Jenin refugee camp, according to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). The operation, now approaching the end of its first week, has also led to the confiscation of numerous weapons.

Bomb-Making Labs and Weapons Uncovered

During the operation, commando units discovered a bomb hidden inside a washing machine and destroyed dozens of roadside explosives designed to target Israeli forces. Additionally, an observation post containing gas cylinders intended for manufacturing explosives was uncovered and neutralized.

Drone Strike in Tulkarem

In a separate incident near Tulkarem, an Israeli drone strike killed two Hamas operatives identified as Ehab Abu Atiwi, the commander of Hamas in Tulkarem, and Ramez Damiri. The IDF stated that Abu Atiwi was responsible for several shooting attacks, including one in July 2024 that injured three Israeli civilians near Tulkarem.

Operation Iron Wall

The raid, dubbed “Operation Iron Wall”, was launched on Tuesday in response to the Palestinian Authority’s failed attempts to crack down on terrorist activities in the Jenin refugee camp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s broader strategy, stating, “We are systematically targeting the Iranian axis wherever it operates—whether in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Judea and Samaria.”

The Role of the Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Authority (PA) had previously described its actions in Jenin as a fight against “lawbreakers” and external influences, including Iran and ISIS. However, sources suggest that the crackdown was part of a larger strategy to assert control and position the PA as capable of governing Gaza in the future.

Jenin Camp: A History of Resistance

The Jenin camp, often referred to as “The Martyr’s Capital”, has been a focal point for Israeli counterterrorism operations. In 2023 and 2024, Israeli forces uncovered tunnels, rocket launchers, weapons caches, and bomb-making laboratories in the area. The camp currently houses approximately 24,000 registered refugees.

This latest operation underscores Israel’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining security in the region. Further developments are anticipated as the operation continues.

Tags: Jenin operation, counterterrorism, IDF, Shin Bet, Operation Iron Wall, Palestinian Authority, Hamas, Tulkarem

#IDF #JeninRaid #CounterTerrorism #Hamas #OperationIronWall #IsraelSecurity