JPost staff
Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2023
“Jenin has been a center of terror for decades.”
The clashes that occurred in Jenin on Monday, resulting in seven Israeli servicemen being wounded, mark a significant escalation by Palestinian terrorists against Israel, and highlight the Palestinian Authority’s failure to rein in the growing lawlessness in the West Bank.
Over the past year, there has been a troubling erosion of the PA’s control and its willingness to contain the rising attacks. The perpetrators behind these attacks include armed gangs, terrorists, and the Iranian-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Exploiting the power vacuum caused by the authority’s lack of governance, as well as Palestinians’ frustration therewith, these groups have entrenched themselves in Jenin and outlying areas of Samaria and have exploited them to plot and carry out attacks against Israelis.
The consequences are well-known
The consequences of allowing this infiltration and entrenchment of terror infrastructure to persist are well-known. The fact that the Israeli Defense Forces had to resort to calling in a helicopter to open fire on Monday underscores the gravity of the situation. We are witnessing a rising wave of terror, reminiscent of the dark days of the Intifadas, and the IDF has been actively working to dismantle this threat.
Recent attacks near Hermesh in the West Bank, targeting Jews, serve as a stark reminder of how dangerous the situation has become. The increasing use of rifles by terrorists in these attacks further demonstrates their growing sense of impunity, which has been reinforced by the Palestinian Authority’s shortcomings. Two decades after Operation Defensive Shield successfully defeated terrorism, a new generation seeks to revive the threats that compelled Israel to take action in 2002. .… [To read the full article, click here]
