Overview
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has detailed an ongoing major operation by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) aimed at dismantling terror networks in the West Bank, stating that the military is “mowing the lawn” but will eventually need to “pull out the roots.”
Why It Matters
The operation targets Iran-backed Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups in key areas within Jenin, Tulkarem, and Far’a. This decisive action underscores Israel’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security. It helps destabilize entities that pose a severe threat to Israeli civilians.
Key Points
The campaign, dubbed “Summer Camps,” launched on August 28 with extensive raids to dismantle cells affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Following an operational assessment with senior IDF officers, Gallant stressed the importance of continuous focus on the rise of terror in the West Bank, referred to as Judea and Samaria in biblical terms.
Quotable
“The rise of terror in Judea and Samaria is an issue that we need to focus on at every moment,” Gallant asserted. “The process is an attack to prevent terror. We are mowing the lawn, [but] the moment will also come when we will pull out the roots, that must be done.”
He further added, “These terror organizations that call themselves by all kinds of names, in Nur Shams, or Tulkarm, or Far’a, or Jenin — they should be wiped out. Every such terrorist should be eliminated, [or] if they surrender, arrest them. There is no other option, use all the forces, everyone who is needed, with full strength.”
Current Operations
Key advances include the elimination of more than 30 gunmen, including senior leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The IDF operations have involved using airstrikes where necessary to minimize risks to soldiers. Raids in Far’a concluded, but operations persist in Jenin, a recognized hotbed for terror activities.
Footage and Discoveries
Recent footages released by the IDF showcase a bomb-making lab being demolished in Tulkarem and an explosive device, hidden under a road, being neutralized. Another bomb concealed in a baby carriage was also found and dismantled.
Ground Impact
In Jenin, streets are languid with scattered debris following IDF operations to unearth and neutralize explosive devices buried beneath roads. The IDF also cooperates with municipal workers to repair damaged infrastructure.
Broader Context
The violence spike in the West Bank follows the October 7 Hamas terror onslaught in southern Israel, resulting in substantial casualties and a significant increase in Israeli military activity. Israeli arrests have surged, targeting over 5,000 Palestinian operatives including 2,000 associated with Hamas.
Casualties
According to the Palestinian Authority health ministry, over 670 West Bank Palestinians have died in this period, which the IDF attributes mainly to engagements with terror operatives. In contrast, Israeli civilians and security personnel have also suffered losses, with 29 killed and additional casualties among the security forces.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.