Israeli forces destroyed overnight Tuesday the infrastructure hub of the Lion's Den terror group in Nablus, according to reports.
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In a joint operation, the IDF, Shin Bet security agency and the Yamam national counter-terrorism unit raided the old city, or kasbah, of Nablus, destroying the group's explosives workshop.
Forces came under fire and Palestinians burden tires and threw stones at troops. The PA's Health Ministry said five Palestinians were killed and 21 were wounded in the clashes.
Television footage showed flames and smoke rising in the night sky over Nablus.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid told Kan public radio that Lion's Den leader Wadie Houh was killed in a shootout and stressed that "Israel will never be deterred from acting for the sake of its security."
Similarly, Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Israel will not stand for cities of refuge for terrorists and will "continue to act against anyone who tries to harm the citizens of Israel wherever and whenever necessary."
Lion's Den is responsible for several attacks in Israel, including the recent drive-by shooting of IDF soldier Ido Baruch as well as an attempted bomb attack in Tel Aviv, which was prevented thanks to the vigilance of the police.
The group also tried to carry out a bombing attack on a Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, threw grenades at IDF soldiers in the area, and perpetrated a series of attacks around Nablus.
In the last few months, and especially in the last few days, use of the bomb factory increased as Lion's Den planned to carry out more attacks against Israelis.
On Saturday night, a senior member of Lion's Den was reportedly killed in an explosion in Nablus, with the group blaming Israel for the attack.
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