Israeli Army Exits Jenin Camp but Warns of Renewed Operations

On Wednesday, Israel withdrew its forces from the Jenin camp in the West Bank, which is under the influence of Palestinian militants. According to the Associated Press, at the same time, Israel warned that it might repeat its most intense military operations in the occupied West Bank in the last two decades. In a two-day assault by the Israeli army in the densely populated Jenin camp, which it termed an 'anti-terrorism operation,' twelve Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed. Following the army's operations, the streets were covered with debris and damaged or burned vehicles. Shopkeepers and bulldozers began clearing the rubble. Thousands who had fled due to the clashes were returning to their homes. The Israeli army claims that this operation inflicted heavy damage on militant groups. Two weeks prior, the Israeli army had also attacked this camp after two Palestinian assailants attacked four Israelis, prompting a new round of assaults. The Israeli army conducted a series of airstrikes and hundreds of ground forces participated in the attack. It remains unclear whether this operation will have a lasting impact. Before the army's withdrawal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to carry out similar operations if necessary. According to the Times of Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated in a press conference that the objectives of the two-day operation in the Jenin refugee camp were 'fully achieved.' He mentioned that Israel destroyed a 'terror factory' that had been established in Jenin, referring to dozens of locations that housed bomb-making workshops, laboratories, arms depots, and security facilities that protected the camp's entrances. Gallant stated that from Wednesday morning, the Israeli army and Shin Bet have greater operational freedom in Jenin.