Tulkarm, West Bank – The Israeli Defense Forces launched a daring operation to track down the perpetrator of the tragic killing of Elhanan Klein. In a coordinated effort involving naval forces and the Israel Security Services, five terrorists were met with lethal force, resulting in the death of the suspects at the center of the terror cell. The operation unfolded on Thursday night in a densely populated residential area, where the militants sought refuge amidst civilians to evade capture.
For six months, Israeli forces had been monitoring the activities of the terrorist cell, intercepting them just as they were allegedly planning another major attack. The intense confrontation lasted over 12 hours, leading to the critical injury of an elite IDF commando. Medical teams at Beilinson Hospital are currently fighting to save his life.
Led by Menashe Brigade Commander Lt.-Col. Ayoub Kayouf, the operation employed stealth tactics to swiftly apprehend the terrorists with minimal civilian involvement. The IDF targeted the village of Deir al-Ghusun in the Tulkarm area, where the attackers carried out a fatal ambush last November near the town of Beit Lid on Highway 557, claiming the life of Elhanan Klein.
The military identified the deceased terrorists as members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who had a history of involvement in terrorist activities. Collaborators arrested in recent months had confessed to aiding the attacks, allegedly funded by Hamas. Despite a recent ceasefire in Gaza, IDF operations in the West Bank continued to target threats to Israeli security.
The standoff culminated in engineering units employing heavy machinery to breach the building where the terrorists were barricaded. Initial assessments suggested that the destruction of the building had quelled the threat, but two militants emerged from the debris, sparking further confrontations. Responding swiftly, an IDF bulldozer neutralized the attackers, bringing the operation to a close.
The relentless pursuit of justice and security in the West Bank underscores Israel’s commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding its citizens. The bravery and determination exhibited by the IDF in this operation serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication to upholding peace and stability in the region.