On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement confirming a joint operation with the internal federal security service, "Shin Bet" near Jenin. The operation resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists who were purportedly on their way to carrying out a terror attack against Israeli citizens. The operation was initiated after Shin Bet intelligence led to a vehicle, believed to contain a known terrorist group, which was spotted leaving the Jenin refugee camp with the intention of executing an attack.
Naif Abu-Sweis, the leader of this group, was found armed with an M-16 rifle. A resident of the Jenin refugee camp, Abu-Sweis was a renowned militant actively engaged in military campaigns against the IDF. He was also known to foster military actions orchestrated by factions within the Gaza Strip. IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari commented on the operation, emphasizing its accuracy and efficiency. He said, "This marks the second time within a week that the IDF has intervened in the Jenin region, showcasing the collective efforts of the Judea and Samaria Division, Central Command, Shin Bet, and the Defense Ministry."
🔴 A short while ago, IDF, ISA, and “Yamam” Police forces operated to prevent an immediate threat and thwarted a terrorist cell.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 6, 2023
Security forces neutralized three members of a terrorist cell exiting the Jenin Camp on their way to carry out an attack. The forces found an M-16… pic.twitter.com/MGOBNG3odz
General Hagari detailed the events leading up to the intervention. He explained that the terrorists commenced their journey around noon on Route 60, heading towards the “Mevo Dotan” settlement. They were intercepted near the Araba village, thanks to a strategic ambush by the IDF. This operation was directed by intelligence from the Shin Bet, which singled out the target vehicle. Interestingly, these terrorists were not affiliated with any major known terrorist organizations and appeared to operate autonomously despite images of the militants wearing Islamic Jihad bandanas circulating on social media.
This is Nayef Abu Sweis, reportedly the leader of the terror cell that was neutralized by IDF forces near Jenin as the cell was on the way to carry out a terror attack.
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) August 6, 2023
The cell was reportedly taking orders from terror elements in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/k5oeLlL5da
Multiple IDF factions played a part in the operation, including soldiers from the Golani patrols and members of the Menashe brigade led by Lt. Col. Eric Moyal and Lt. Col. Avi Bluth of the Judea & Samaria division. General Hagari said, "Given the circumstances, we anticipated a possible exchange of fire. Our primary goal was to neutralize the imminent threat. We believe that these terrorists had intentions mirroring a recent attack in the area which resulted in the tragic death of Meir Tamari. Fortunately, we had received prior warnings and were thus strategically prepared."
HAPPENING NOW!!
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) August 6, 2023
Israeli forces had a tip about three terrorists in a light car leaving Jenin who were on their way to commit a terror attack.
They set up a roadblock.
What happens next shows how much the terrorists don’t care about their fellow Palestinians. They began firing… pic.twitter.com/X2jMpictVT
Post-operation assessments revealed multiple cartridges inside the vehicle, reinforcing the belief that the terrorists intended to launch a drive-by shooting. This mode of attack has been identified as a major threat in recent times. Addressing concerns about a recent attack in Tel Aviv, the IDF spokesperson stated, "We had no prior intelligence regarding the Tel Aviv assault. Had we been alerted, we would have acted preemptively, much like today's operation. Currently, we have no intel about potential rocket attacks from Gaza, but we are always braced for various eventualities."
