Promotion for Nablus' Lion's Den Militant Group

TikTok Terrorists: Militant Groups In Samaria Using Social Media To Gain Support

Details
The Judean Staff
National

The names "Jenin Brigade" and "Lion's Den" sound as if they are names of Israeli special forces, but in reality, these are two groups of young Palestinian people who are taking advantage of the weakening of the Palestinian Authority to gain control of the armed struggle in the areas near Jenin and Nablus. In a sense, these groups, adept in using social media to promote their activities are the next generation of Palestinian terrorists.

Dozens of armed terrorists, some as young as pre-teenagers, belong to these two groups that are becoming significant opponents in clashes with Israeli security forces. This is partly because Israel is hesitant to target children, and also because much of the fighting these groups do is online, in the social media feeds of millions around the world. Often, you will see videos like this, where the sounds of gunfire is heard and people scrambling, with a narrative that supports the political objectives of the terrorists.

The "Jenin Brigade", which operates in the Palestinian city of Jenin and mainly in the area of ​​the so-called 'refugee camp', supports the military arm of Palestinian Islamic Jihad in its activities. Its members usually publish Tiktok videos in which attempts to harm Israel Defense Force soldiers are recorded.

The members of the "Lion's Den", which began operating in Nablus and later also moved to Jenin, usually walk around armed. Following a series of attacks linked to their name, they have become a popular new group in the Palestinian Authority. Social media is their strong point with dozens of videos that have gone viral.

The members of the two squads that have received significant attention from the Israeli military usually demonstrate a tribal-like show of strength and power with crude marches in the streets, and regularly walk around brandishing weapons within the civilian population, as Hamas terrorists do in the Gaza Strip.

Both groups began their activities by attending national events, such as receptions for prisoners released, funeral processions for terrorists who became martyrs, as well as wedding ceremonies for released prisoners or family members of martyrs. The squads were initially involved in a few cases of confrontations with IDF forces, but in recent months they have increased their activity and taken on 'leadership' roles in fomenting the 'resistance'.

Most of those who belong to the terrorist squads are in their 20s and have not personally experienced the days of the intifadas with the greatest presence of armed men in the West Bank. As mentioned, both groups are taking advantage of the chaos following the weakening of the security mechanisms of the Palestinian Authority and the increase in support of the Palestinian factions that are fighting Israel under a common symbol of unity.

Kobi Michael, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and an expert on the Palestinian scene, said: "In both cases, there is a more conscious interest than an operative one, a kind of framework that feeds a discourse and an ethos of the resistance whose essence and authority are built from the salience of the discourse. The level of organization is low, the professional military level is low, but there is a lot of enthusiasm and determination amid the media coverage and public discourse."

Much of the fighting these groups do is online. Using the feeds of a vast network of pro-Palestinian supporters and a well-organized anti-Israel community, the militant groups often stage videos showing their 'soldiers' parading around with dead bodies they claim were innocent victims of Israel's aggression. Videos of the 'victims' playing soccer or volunteering with the elderly, and pictures of sweet innocent kids surrounded by family are highlighted, while the images of them holding rifles, or videos of them throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles or shooting guns toward Israeli soldiers are left out. 

Much of what is published is highly edited and even scripted. In one recent video of a parade for a returning member who was injured by Israeli forces, the smile on the faces of those in the procession seems overly artificial. Even the member who was shot four times less than a week earlier has an ear-to-ear grin, despite the obvious grimace on his face from having to partake in a walk when he should be in a wheelchair.  

Social media has rapidly become the new front in the Palestinian war on Israel. Using TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and a network of Telegram channels where videos of Israeli soldiers operating in various villages are posted. Many of these videos are old, and rarely is there any context other than 'occupation forces invade...', however, woven together with a soundtrack of a monotone yet rhythmic Jihadi chant they are effective tools in capturing the imagination of the ignorant and ill-informed.

 

Sign Up For The Judean Newsletter

 I agree with the Terms and conditions and the Privacy policy

About Us

The Judean is a weekly digital blog highlighting Israel's vibrant Democracy, rich culture, and complex history. Through compelling op-eds, and featured articles, The Judean brings the real Israel into focus. 'From The River To The Sea' Israel is truly free.
Modi'in, Israel 71702
+975-50-226-6956
info@thejudean.com