Israeli forces killed a Palestinian and injured two others who allegedly threw explosives at troops during an overnight counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday.
The incident took place in Silat al-Harithiya, near Jenin, where soldiers from the Nahal Brigade engaged and neutralized the threat. The IDF confirmed that no Israeli personnel were harmed. As part of the operation, security forces arrested eight suspects and seized two homemade “Carlo” submachine guns, which were transferred to the Shin Bet and Israeli police for further investigation.
The raids were conducted under Operation Iron Wall, a military initiative launched on January 21 to crack down on terrorism in the West Bank, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
Raid Halted Due to Soldier Misconduct
In a separate incident, the IDF reportedly called off a planned raid in the Deheisha refugee camp near Bethlehem after soldiers were caught vandalizing Palestinian property. According to Kan News, the soldiers, who were reservists assigned to remove anti-Israel graffiti, instead defaced walls with their own markings, including Stars of David and drawings of rifles.
Upon receiving images of the graffiti, Brigade Commander Col. “Gimmel” and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brig. Gen. Yaki Dolf ordered an immediate withdrawal of the troops from the area. The IDF has since launched an internal investigation to identify those responsible for violating direct orders.
This comes amid efforts by newly appointed IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to restore military discipline and curb acts of vandalism. Last weekend, several officers and troops faced disciplinary action for defacing Palestinian property in the southern West Bank village of Jinba. Zamir personally visited the site to assess the situation.
Rising Tensions and Settler Violence
As Israeli forces continue counterterrorism operations, tensions in the region remain high. On Tuesday, around 50 Israeli settlers stormed the Palestinian village of Duma, setting fire to property and assaulting residents. Three Palestinians were injured in the attack.
The latest incidents reflect the fragile state of security in the West Bank, with increasing clashes between Israeli forces, Palestinian militants, and settlers, raising concerns about further escalations in violence.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/troops-kill-palestinian-injure-2-others-who-threw-explosives-at-force-in-west-bank/