Palestinian terrorists wielding what appear to be shoulder-fired missiles near Highway 6 – a critical Israeli transportation artery – are shown in alarming footage from approximately six months ago, exclusively obtained by Israel Hayom. The video, captured in the Nur a-Shams refugee camp, shows members of a terror group openly brandishing the weapons, raising significant security concerns about the presence of advanced weaponry in the West Bank.
The footage features Moatasem Al-Ali, commander of Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in Tulkarm, handling what experts believe to be a shoulder-fired missile. Al-Ali was subsequently eliminated by the IDF in February, along with two other operatives. Defense experts have confirmed that this is part of a shoulder-fired missile, but it is unclear whether it is a complete missile or a container.
Video: Palestinian terrorists carrying advanced weapons near one of Israel's most major highways
The revelation is particularly concerning in light of the recent security alert regarding a planned attack on a seam zone community by terrorists from the Tulkarm area. In recent months, the IDF has come to the realization that the terrorist organizations have advanced anti-tank guided missiles. About two weeks ago, an IDF LAW missile was found in one of the towns near Hebron, and about a month ago, a MATADOR missile was found.
Elisha Yered, an activist who discovered the video, warned of the escalating threat, "Terror organizations are amassing an increasingly sophisticated arsenal of strategic weapons. Their deployment could overwhelm both regular forces and settlement defense units." Yered emphasized the vulnerability of settlements in Judea and Samaria, noting their limited defensive capabilities compared to the potential threats they face.
"We must apply the lessons learned from Gaza, reassessing terror cells based on their expanding capabilities rather than just their attack frequency. To avert a potential crisis, a comprehensive operation in villages and cities in Judea and Samaria, supported by armored forces and air cover, may be necessary – similar to actions taken in Gaza," Yered said.
Yehoshua Kalisky, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, said, "Whether it's a complete missile or a container, this is proof that they are trying to get such a weapon. This is a significant risk. Unlike tanks and anti-tank missiles, if a light jeep protected by fire is hit by such a missile – it will be a catastrophe."