One thousand elite Israeli troops launch air-supported anti-terror operation in Jenin

Targeting Palestinian terrorist command centers in Jenin, the “House and Garden” operation was launched on Monday, July 3, by a thousand elite commando, paratroop and Golani troops, with substantial aerial support. Its mission: to stem the systematic campaign of lethal violence orchestrated in past months from this northern Samaria town. The force’s first target was the consolidated war room shared by the various terrorist factions and the “Jenin Brigade” at the local refugee camp. This crucial location served as a hub for armed terrorists to get together before and after attacks; it was where they picked up their firearms and explosive devices and served as their communication center. It was there that in the past two months, wanted terrorists hunted for deadly attacks went to ground.

The crux of terrorist operations in the northern West Bank, the Jenin command center, was located nearby a medical clinic and two schools, one of them run by UNWRA. Just before the IDF operation, Palestinian Authority police personnel were advised to leave Jenin.

Israel’s air defenses are on high alert, especially in the south. However, the terrorist organizations based in the Gaza Strip are expected to stay out of the Jenin confrontation so long as it remains under control. The commanders of the House and Garden operation are OC Central Command Maj. Gen Yehuda Fuchs and chief of the Judea and Samara Division, Brig.-|Gen Avi Balut.

DEBKAfile’s military sources note that the ongoing IDF operation in Jenin differs from past counter-terrorism actions in this region by the substantial use of aerial units; IAF drones are singling out and slamming Palestinian command centers and ammunition dumps.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tweeted on Monday: “Our forces are concentrating their effort on the hubs of terror in Jenin. Our stance against terror will be aggressive and resourceful. We are watching closely to see how our enemies behave and have prepared options for all types of scenario.” Gallant stressed: “We will pursue and catch our enemies.”

According to military statistics covering the past two years, some 50 terrorist attacks emanated from Jenin and 19 terrorists, guilty of major, lethal attacks, were protected and found shelter in this Palestinian town.