Israeli security forces conducted counter-terrorism operations across Judea and Samaria overnight Saturday, detaining more than 70 wanted Palestinian suspects following a terrorist attack the previous day that killed two Israelis and wounded six others in Samaria, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
In the Nablus region, IDF soldiers and the Israel Security Agency completed a brigade-level operation in Tell, the village from which the attackers launched the assault on Israeli hikers near Havat Gilad. Eleven suspects were detained in that operation.
Additional arrests were made in other areas. Israeli forces apprehended terrorists affiliated with Hamas and others involved in planning explosive device attacks in the Jenin region. Approximately 20 wanted suspects were arrested around Jerusalem in connection with advancing terrorist attacks, Molotov cocktail attacks and arms trafficking. Fifteen more suspects, including Hamas affiliates involved in advancing terrorist activity, were apprehended in southwestern Samaria, while two additional suspects - including one prepared to execute an attack and a wanted Hamas member - were detained in the Tulkarem area. Sixteen more suspects were arrested in the Gush Etzion region.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the attack scene Friday for a situational assessment. "This was a grave and painful terrorist attack. I share in the grief of the families and send my wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were wounded," He said. He added: "We are pursuing every terrorist involved in this attack. We will reach all of them and hold them accountable. We will intensify our offensive operations, continue to act wherever necessary, and consistently and resolutely strike terrorists and terrorist infrastructure."
The military said the primary attacker was killed immediately after opening fire, and troops recovered a stolen weapon. Three other Palestinians were killed in later gunfire. Two additional wounded attackers were arrested at a hospital in Nablus by undercover IDF commandos, with all attackers identified.
IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth met with community leaders Friday, describing recent days as "tense" And citing thirty burnt homes, an arson attack, and stabbing incidents. "Following the recent events, and especially this morning's attack, there is concern about escalation throughout Judea and Samaria. We are carrying out counter-terrorism operations to prevent the area from spiraling into further violence," Bluth said, noting preparations for possible retaliatory attacks.