Shin Bet Official Warns of Growing Iranian Influence in Northern West Bank

The northern West Bank is increasingly becoming a hotbed of Iranian weaponry, according to former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) official Yossi Amrosi. In an interview on Radio 103FM, Amrosi revealed that while the IDF's Operation Iron Wall may appear similar to past operations on the surface, it is critically important due to the influx of weapons into the region, primarily from Iran.

Amrosi emphasized the escalating threat posed by Hamas and other terror groups in the West Bank, suggesting that if these groups had access to the same capabilities as Hamas in Gaza, the scale of attacks could mirror the deadly October 7 assault on Kfar Aza. He warned that the northern West Bank, flooded with advanced weaponry, is a powder keg that needs urgent and effective intervention to prevent further escalation.

The former Shin Bet official proposed a more aggressive approach in tackling terror in the area, drawing lessons from the IDF’s operations in Gaza. He suggested that security forces should consider evacuating civilians from specific regions and conducting thorough, house-to-house operations to root out terrorists hiding within communities.

Amrosi also raised concerns about the potential moral implications of releasing terrorists as part of the ongoing hostage deal, suggesting that such actions could inspire future acts of terrorism. The case of Zakaria Zubeidi, a senior Fatah terrorist, was highlighted as an example, with Amrosi pointing out that the release of such figures could directly lead to terrorist attacks in areas like Jenin.

To combat these threats, Amrosi urged the IDF and Shin Bet to continue operating with full force, ensuring that any released terrorists who return to their violent activities are swiftly neutralized, either through arrest or elimination.