Israeli Tank/Michael Shvadron, Israel Defense Forces, CC BY 2.0
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israel deployed tanks in Jenin for the first time in over 20 years on Sunday, signaling an extended military presence in northern Samaria as it intensifies counterterrorism operations in the region.
For the first time since 2002, Israel deployed tanks in Judea and Samaria following bus bombings in Bat Yam and Holon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify the conflict during a rare visit to the Tulkarem refugee camp.
During a troop visit and briefing by commanders, Netanyahu stated, “In the past year, we have greatly increased our activity. We are entering the terrorist strongholds, clearing entire streets used by terrorists, their homes. We are eliminating terrorists and commanders.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to “increase the intensity of the activity to thwart terrorism” in Judea and Samaria, stating that troops will remain “for the coming year” and that Palestinians who have fled cannot return.
“We will not allow the return of residents, and we will not allow terrorism to return and grow,” he emphasized.
Katz also instructed the military to prepare for “an extended stay” in emptied Judea and Samraria urban areas, from which about 40,000 Palestinians have fled — a figure confirmed by the United Nations.
Since launching “Operation Iron Wall” in Judea and Samaria on January 19, Israeli forces have arrested over 200 terror suspects, eliminated 71 deemed security threats, and confiscated more than 300 weapons and explosives. They have also uncovered a bomb-making laboratory.
Additionally, since the October 7 attacks, Israeli forces have detained 6,000 Palestinians in Judea and Samaria, with around 40 percent linked to Hamas.
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