Israeli Airstrikes Target Terrorist Cells in West Bank as Part of Ongoing Counterterrorism Operation
February 02, 2025
12:20 PM
Reading time: 4 minutes

In a series of airstrikes on Saturday night, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet (ISA) carried out strikes targeting terrorist cells in the West Bank's Jenin and Kabatiya areas. The airstrikes are part of an ongoing counterterrorism operation aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats in northern Samaria.
The first of the airstrikes took place in Kabatiya, where an Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft, guided by intelligence from Shin Bet, successfully targeted and eliminated a terrorist cell on its way to carry out an imminent attack. The airstrike resulted in the deaths of two individuals—Salah Zakarneh and Abd al-Hadi Kamil, both residents of Kabatiya. Kamil, a former prisoner involved in planning terrorist activities, had been released in the November 2023 hostage deal.
Hours later, the IAF conducted two additional strikes in Jenin, targeting armed terrorist cells operating in the area. The IDF emphasized that security forces remain actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts throughout northern Samaria, as they work to prevent further attacks in the region.
IDF's Efforts in the West Bank
The airstrikes coincide with heightened security operations across the West Bank, including efforts to disperse celebratory gatherings for released Palestinian prisoners. These gatherings have sparked tension, particularly in light of the release of individuals involved in terrorist activities as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
The IDF’s West Bank division, alongside the Civil Administration, Shin Bet, Israel Prison Service, and Border Police, conducted operations to disperse such gatherings, especially following violent riots in the Binyamin Brigade region. During these riots, rioters threw Molotov cocktails and stones at Israeli security forces, prompting the troops to respond with warning shots.
Among those released was Zakaria Zubeidi, a former commander of the Fatah-aligned Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in Jenin. His release led to celebrations in Ramallah, where he was hailed as a hero. In addition, the Israeli Police arrested 12 suspects in the Binyamina area after they displayed support for Hamas during celebrations, waving Hamas flags and firing weapons into the air.
As part of the deal with Hamas, Israel released over 100 prisoners, including individuals convicted for deadly attacks against Israelis. Among those released were Shadi Amori, involved in the deadly 2002 Megiddo Junction bus bombing that killed 17 people, Ashraf Abu Sarur, who killed IDF soldier Shahar Vekret in 2000, and Ahmed Aslam, responsible for the 2002 shooting death of Avi and Avital Wolanski.
The ongoing operations highlight the tense security environment in the West Bank, with Israeli security forces maintaining a strong presence to neutralize threats and prevent further violence. The IDF continues to prioritize counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing zero tolerance for expressions of support for Hamas and other terrorist organizations.