Israel Defense Forces (IDF) armored and engineering forces encircled Jenin before dawn today, and imposed a tight closure on territory, some of which is under Palestinian Authority (PA) control. Jenin has earned the title of “suicide terrorist town” because many suicide bombers have used the town as a base. At the same time, IDF forces avoided entering the town itself.
The order issued to officers and troops says that the operation is expected to last 72 hours, but it may take longer.
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced that all terrorist organizations consolidated their bases in Jenin without any hindrance and in cooperation with elements in the PA. “In view of this, the State of Israel had no choice but to take action against these bases and prevent terrorists , as much as possible, from using the town as a base for carrying out attacks,” the announcement said.
Many terrorists used Jenin as a base for carrying out attacks in Israel. Muhammad Shaker Hubeishi of Abu Snan, who blew himself up at the Nahariya railway station on Sunday, was operated by Hamas terrorists in Jenin. The suicide bombers who launched attacks in Binyamina, Hadera, and Kiryat Motzkin also came from Jenin, as did the perpetrators of the failed terrorist attacks in Haifa and Afula.
The Palestinians announced a high alert, and mosques’ loudspeakers yesterday urged the Palestinian forces and the inhabitants to gear for a defensive battle against the Israeli forces.
In a conversation with Ynet (the Internet site of Hebrew language daily “Yediot Ahronot”), a Force 17 member threatened that “death awaits the Israelis if they enter Jenin.” He added that “dozens of youngsters armed with explosive devices, gas balloons, and dynamite are waiting for the Israelis. We’re waiting for the IDF to come in.”
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 11 September, 2001