What it is about
A commando of the elite Duvdevan unit was seriously wounded and three other troops were moderately hurt during an operation in the Balata refugee camp near Nablus in the West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing and intense efforts by the Israeli military to dismantle terrorist networks and maintain security in the West Bank, particularly amidst rising threats from Palestinian factions.
Operation in Balata Refugee Camp
Israeli troops engaged in fierce firefights while attempting to apprehend suspects inside a building. During the operation, one gunman was neutralized and another was wounded. The troops discovered and seized a cache of explosives, a pistol, ammunition, and parts of weapons hidden in civilian structures like cafes and stores.
Neutralization of a Threat
In another operation, the IDF eliminated Abed Shaheen, a Palestinian accused by Israel of planning and executing attacks against Israeli forces near Nablus. Security forces confiscated weapons used by Shaheen. The Palestinian Authority health ministry confirmed his death, reporting that he was 33 years old.
Raids Across the West Bank
Overnight, IDF forces also conducted raids in Silwad, capturing six suspects. Further operations in Dayr Ibzi’ and Kafr Ni’ma resulted in the discovery of two firearms in Bani Naim.
Context of the Operations
The Israeli military has ramped up its West Bank operations significantly in response to Hamas’s attack on October 7. In efforts to dismantle Palestinian terror groups, the IDF has arrested approximately 5,250 suspects across the region, including over 2,050 affiliated with Hamas.
Casualties and Security Impact
The IDF reports that a majority of the more than 716 Palestinian deaths were militants killed during clashes, while others were rioters or terrorists. Additional data indicates that 33 Israeli civilians and security personnel have succumbed to terrorist attacks, and six more members of security forces were killed while engaging with West Bank terror operatives.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.