The IDF launched a large-scale military operation in Jenin on Tuesday morning under the name "Iron Wall," which will continue for several days and include numerous forces from special units, Shin Bet, and Border Police. The operation, which began with an aerial UAV strike against terrorist infrastructure, aims to restore security control in the area and prevent violent outbreaks in the sector. According to security sources, this is one of the largest operations carried out in the area since the start of the war. So far, two Palestinian casualties and 35 injured have been reported, as Palestinian Authority security forces withdrew from the area at the start of Israeli activity.
Media outlets affiliated with Hamas reported that Palestinian Authority security forces withdrew from the Jenin refugee camp vicinity following the IDF operation's commencement. According to reports, these forces waited for Israeli special forces to enter before withdrawing. A Palestinian Authority security forces spokesman reported several personnel injuries, including one serious case, resulting from IDF fire during the Jenin operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: "Following Cabinet directives, the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police have initiated Operation 'Iron Wall' – a major military operation to eliminate terrorism in Jenin. This advances our goal of strengthening security in Judea and Samaria. We continue our systematic and determined action against the Iranian axis wherever it extends – Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Judea and Samaria. And our reach extends further."
A security source revealed that the Jenin operation represents an unprecedented scale of action, responding to identified immediate terrorist threats. With clearly defined objectives, the operation aims to maintain IDF operational freedom throughout Judea and Samaria while eliminating terrorist infrastructure and imminent threats. Another security source characterized it as a "highly significant" operation, featuring intensified aerial prevention measures, complete refugee camp closure, with duration dependent on developments.
This operation launches after its December postponement due to Palestinian Authority security forces' activities in the area. The Cabinet recently designated Judea and Samaria as an additional war objective, following Minister Bezalel Smotrich's request amid growing security concerns after the hostage deal's terrorist release provisions.
Despite Palestinian Authority security presence, security sources indicate the IDF's necessary return to aggressive ground operations to reestablish security control. This operation ranks among the largest since the war's outbreak.
Maintaining consistent objectives with previous operations, this mission focuses on eliminating terrorists, destroying terrorist infrastructure, and exposing explosive devices.
The operation's timing follows several weeks of IDF inactivity in the Jenin refugee camp due to Palestinian Authority operations. It coincides with the hostage deal implementation, involving the release of numerous terrorists to Judea and Samaria.
Video: Israeli Defense Forces in Jenin, Judea and Samaria. Credit: Arab media
Security officials emphasize the long-simmering tensions in Judea and Samaria, with this operation aimed at preventing violent escalation and terrorism.
Palestinian media documented special forces activity in Jenin, reporting subsequent firefights in the city and refugee camp area. The local Islamic Jihad cell in Jenin announced engaging with an identified Israeli special force operating within the camp.
Friday's cabinet decision, first reported by Israel Hayom, added Judea and Samaria as a new war objective following Minister Bezalel Smotrich's demand in light of the hostage deal approval and escalating security threats in the region.
Security sources recently warned of potential regional destabilization due to the anticipated terrorist releases as part of the hostage deal and Hamas incitement.
In the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated: "Threats to settlementents, communities, and residents in Judea and Samaria continue intensifying. Our enemies recognize this as the sole active confrontation zone with Israel, leading the Iranian axis to persist in generating terrorism through funding, guidance, and armament."
Katz emphasized: "I've directed the IDF to employ maximum force in protecting all communities and residents – a directive that has been and will continue being implemented to forcefully counter terrorism."
Finance Minister and Cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich declared: "Following Gaza and Lebanon, today marks, with divine assistance, our security concept transformation in Judea and Samaria and our campaign against regional terrorism. This fulfills the war objectives added to the cabinet agenda at the Religious Zionist party's Friday request. Operation 'Iron Wall' represents a sustained, comprehensive campaign against terrorist elements and their instigators, safeguarding settlement and settlers while securing Israel's entirety, with settlement serving as its security buffer. I commend our IDF commanders, fighters, and security personnel, praying for their success."
