Escalation in the West Bank: More than 130 wanted persons arrested, IDF reinforces forces
More than 130 wanted persons were arrested over the weekend, including Hamas operatives, inciters, and terrorists who planned to carry out attacks. The IDF identifies an increase in incitement and the desire to carry out copycat attacks, and continues to reinforce forces and operate to counter terror throughout the West Bank.
Following the attack last Friday, in which two Israelis were murdered, and against the backdrop of the escalation in terror in the West Bank, IDF forces are continuing operational activity throughout the region.
During the past weekend, Central Command forces arrested more than 130 wanted persons, including arms dealers, terror operatives identified with Hamas, inciters, and terrorists who planned to carry out attacks in the immediate timeframe. The forces operated in hundreds of locations throughout the sector and questioned hundreds of suspects. In addition, the homes of the two terrorists who carried out the shooting attack last Friday were mapped — the home of the shooter and the home of the terrorist who provided the weapon. During the night, the home of the terrorist who carried out the attack was sealed.
At the same time, IDF forces in the Judea and Samaria Division are deployed on roads, in communities, and in security areas, surrounding traffic routes using roadblocks and closures where necessary. The goal of the activity is to prevent friction between populations, reduce congestion on roads, and maintain the security of Israeli citizens and residents of the area.
Against the backdrop of the events that began on Thursday, the division identifies an increase in incitement on Palestinian social networks, alongside an increase in the desire to carry out copycat attacks. The forces are working around the clock to locate and arrest inciters, and during the past weekend, dozens were arrested throughout the sector. Any indication of an intention to carry out an attack is handled immediately.
During the night, Central Command forces and the Judea and Samaria Border Police carried out two targeted operations in the areas of the Etzion and Menashe brigades, including in Barta'a, to locate illegal aliens and smugglers.
In recent days, close cooperation has been taking place between the IDF, Shin Bet, Judea and Samaria Border Police, and the Israel Police, with the aim of acting offensively and effectively, cooling the area, and preventing escalation throughout the West Bank. Parallel to fighting terror, the security forces are also working to prevent nationalist crime incidents, with the aim of reducing the number of incidents as much as possible and bringing those involved to justice after a high-quality investigation.
Furthermore, until Tuesday, the entry of workers into communities will not be permitted.
