Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander killed in shootout
A Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander and another terrorist were killed in a shootout with Israeli security forces early Thursday morning near Jenin.
Israeli soldiers operating in Judea and Samaria, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo by the IDF Spokesperson
The firefight broke out as Israeli soldiers entered the village of Burqin in a series of counter-terror operations across Judea and Samaria. The Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson’s Unit said three Palestinians were arrested and three M-16 rifles were seized.
The two gunmen were identified as Muhammad Ayman al-Saadi, a commander of the PIJ’s Jenin Brigade, and Naeem Jamal Zubaidi, who was a member of the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
The IDF said Saadi was responsible for a series of shooting attacks against Israeli soldiers and arming PIJ operatives.
Other counter-terror raids took place in the Palestinian villages of Dura, Deir Sammit, Beit Furik and Abu Shukheidim.
In an ongoing sweep against terror in Judea and Samaria, the IDF has thwarted 500 terror attacks and arrested more than 2,500 suspects. Operation Wave Breaker was launched by the IDF following a surge of Palestinian terror attacks in the spring which killed 19 people. Overall, 31 people have been killed in Palestinian terror attacks in 2022.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid said: “The activity of the IDF and the security forces in Jenin is a direct continuation of our uncompromising policy on the fight against terrorism. The two senior terrorists who were thwarted – a field commander in Jenin and a member of the Islamic Jihad; and a senior member of the Al-Aqsa Brigades in Jenin – planned and carried out attacks on Israeli territory.
Precisely in these stormy times, when irresponsible parties are trying to drag the IDF into an extreme debate and incite soldiers against their commanders, I want to express my appreciation to the security forces. This is the way to fight terrorism; this is the way to protect the citizens of Israel. Look after yourselves”
