IDF soldiers documenting the raid against a bomb factory in Jenin (video snippet)

IDF Denies Palestinian Media Claims They They Pulled Out Of Jenin

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The Judean Staff
National

Despite Palestinian media and the New York Times' reporter Raja Abdulrahim who has a long history of anti-Israeli bias alleging otherwise, the Israeli military forces have not withdrawn from the Palestinian city of Jenin. So far, Israeli forces have staged a robust 10-day counterterrorism operation targeting entrenched militant groups. These groups, operating from within Jenin, have long utilized the city as a staging ground for terror attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel. Despite Palestinian media's portrayal of the Israeli actions as an indiscriminate assault on civilians, including claims of children among the 21 casualties, the reality—as evidenced by the militants' own social media—is starkly different. Many of those identified as "children" were, in fact, adolescent combatants, glorified as martyrs for their armed resistance against what they termed the "Zionist occupation." The IDF maintains that its "operations are still ongoing until all objectives are met."

Palestinian Telegram channels like JeninNews prominently featured images of these youths brandishing weapons and wearing identifiers of Hamas and Islamic Jihad—two groups recognized internationally as terrorist organizations. This imagery underscores the troubling reality that militant groups continue to exploit and radicalize youth, using them as active participants in their violent campaigns.

Civil Services Enter a Fractured Jenin

Mere hours after the Israeli military's strategic pullback, Palestinian civil defense teams, typically reluctant to enter the city due to fears of reprisal from local militants, began escorting public works and utility personnel. These teams quickly initiated field surveys to assess the extent of the damage and began efforts to restore essential services, according to Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, which is often criticized for its role in disseminating propaganda and distorting facts.

Despite the temporary lull, the Israeli military has not confirmed a full withdrawal, and it remains uncertain if forces will re-enter Jenin, a city that has frequently served as a hotbed for terrorist activities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Friday that operations would continue as needed to achieve their objectives in countering terrorism, signaling the possibility of further action should militant threats persist.

Uncovering Terror Infrastructure

The past week and a half saw Israeli forces deploying troops and bulldozers across multiple cities in Judea and Samaria, including Jenin and Tulkarem—areas notorious for harboring terror cells. A harrowing video released by the IDF showcased the discovery of a bomb-making factory within Jenin, where explosives, including a baby stroller rigged as a makeshift bomb, were found alongside a large cache of materials intended for further attacks.

These raids were not limited to dismantling explosives; they were a part of a broader strategy to dismantle a network of terror infrastructure deeply embedded within the civilian fabric of these regions. The scale and thoroughness of the operation highlight Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens from an escalating wave of violence emanating from these areas.

Casualty Reports: A Disparity in Numbers

Reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry stated that 39 individuals were killed across the territory. However, this figure lacks specificity, failing to differentiate between armed militants and civilians. In contrast, Israeli sources have been transparent in their reporting, indicating that 33 militants were neutralized during clashes and drone strikes, with most casualties confirmed as combatants actively engaged in hostilities against Israeli forces.

Notably, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has been criticized for its handling of Palestinian refugee issues, reported seven "children" among the dead without clarifying their involvement in active combat. This omission glosses over the stark reality that many of these individuals, who were portrayed as innocent victims, were actually armed combatants participating in hostile actions. Furthermore, UNRWA facilities have been notoriously exploited by Hamas as launch sites for rocket attacks and as storage for weapons, further complicating their narrative as neutral entities in this conflict.

Palestinian Authority’s Role and Israeli Military Transparency

With nearly three million Palestinians living under the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria, the PA’s failure to curb militant activities has allowed terror groups to thrive in these regions. The PA has often framed Israeli security operations as attacks on innocent civilians, a narrative that contrasts sharply with the Israeli military’s consistent and transparent communication regarding the objectives and conduct of their raids.

The IDF has been meticulous in documenting its operations, frequently releasing footage to international media that showcases the extent of the militant threat, including the aforementioned bomb-making facilities. This level of transparency stands in stark contrast to the often unverified and sensationalist claims made by Palestinian media and official sources.

Continuing the Fight Against Terrorism

As of Friday, the Israeli military reported that in Jenin alone, 14 members of armed Palestinian groups were killed, and more than 30 suspects were detained. The IDF also executed four airstrikes—an operational measure that has become increasingly necessary in response to the sophisticated threats posed by Hamas-led assaults, particularly following the significant escalation that began on October 7.

This latest operation underscores Israel's unwavering commitment to dismantling terror networks that pose a direct threat to its security. As tensions remain high, the IDF’s readiness to re-engage if necessary serves as a clear message: the fight against terrorism will continue unabated until the safety and security of Israeli citizens are fully ensured.

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