IDF and Shin Bet Strike Terrorist Cell in Kabatiya as Part of Ongoing Operation

On Friday, the Israeli Air Force, in coordination with the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), successfully struck a terrorist cell in a vehicle in Kabatiya, a town in the northern West Bank. According to an IDF statement, the cell was planning to carry out an immediate attack in the region, making this strike a significant blow to the terrorist network.

The strike is part of the broader ongoing counterterrorism operation launched by the IDF in the West Bank. Last week, the IDF began a wide-ranging campaign in Jenin, aimed at dismantling Palestinian terror cells. The operation, expected to last several days and potentially longer, has already resulted in the deaths of several terrorists and the apprehension of numerous suspects.

Operation Iron Wall, as the campaign is named, is a multi-faceted effort involving drones, helicopters, tanks (in areas surrounding Jenin), and special forces units including Duvdevan, Egoz, and Battalion 90. The operation also has engineering support to target key infrastructure used by terrorists.

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar commented on the operation during a situational assessment in Jenin, saying, “We are in a multi-front campaign—but right now, it’s Samaria’s time." He added, "You can’t defeat terrorism through defense alone. I think the value of completing the mission has very significant benefits.”

So far, the operation has yielded impressive results, including the deaths of 15 terrorists, the arrest of 30 wanted individuals, and the confiscation of weapons intended for use in future attacks. The IDF and Shin Bet continue to carry out their efforts to neutralize terrorist threats and ensure the safety of Israeli civilians.