The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a major counterterrorism operation in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp early on Monday in what appears to be the largest West Bank operation in years.
The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that at least eight people were killed. In addition to airstrikes, the military sent in around 1,000 ground troops.
Tensions have skyrocketed recently after a series of deadly attacks were carried out by Palestinians from the Jenin area, the Times of Israel reported. A senior government official told the newspaper that the “the goal of this extensive operation is to end Jenin’s role as a ‘city of refuge’ for terror, and it will last as long as it needs to.”
Israel struck a joint war room used by several militant groups in the city, including the Jenin Brigade. The command center “served as an observation post, a gathering place for armed terrorists before and after terror acts, a cache for munitions and bombs and a communications center,” the military explained. Additional sites used to store and manufacture weapons as well as terrorist operatives were targeted.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, wrote on Twitter that in addition to being a “major hub of terrorism,” the city has become “an Iranian stronghold close to Israeli population centers.”
“Most of the terror attacks against Israelis originated from Jenin. No nation would sit idly by as terrorists strike its citizens,” Herzog explained.
Within Israel, the strikes have broad support as a justified use of force. This year has been one of the deadliest for Israelis in some time, with nearly 30 killed in Arab attacks.
Palestinian leaders including Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, condemned the attack. Palestinian Islamic Jihad also said it will face its enemy “with all possible retaliation options,” according to CNN.
The strike follows a huge firefight that erupted in Jenin in June. The IDF reported that five Palestinians were killed. Eight Israeli troops were wounded.