“We are striking the terrorists with strength and determination. In recent months, we have eliminated and arrested a record number of terrorists, and this was the case during the operation in the Jenin area. Our forces eliminated several terrorists and arrested others. They were fired on from an ambush and acted in an exemplary manner,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjmin Netanyahu.
The EU also expressed ‘concern ‘in line with its long-standing strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy” about Israel’s announced plans to advance planning for more than 4,000 settlement units in the occupied West Bank at the end of June. The EU called on Israel ”not to proceed with this.’’
The European Union said it is ‘’strongly concerned’’ by the latest events in Jenin. Where Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded, four seriously iduring a firefight that lasted hours and included IDF armored vehicles being struck by a roadside bomb. The incident came after the army entered Jenin to arrest two terror operatives, one from Hamas and one from Islamic Jihad.
The bombing prompted the IDF to call in air support from a helicopter gunship, something not seen in Judea and Samaria since the Second Intifada.
The death toll from Monday’s clashes between terrorists and Israeli troops rose to six on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the wounded soldiers at Rambam Hospital in Haifa on Monday.
“We are striking the terrorists with strength and determination. In recent months, we have eliminated and arrested a record number of terrorists, and this was the case during the operation in the Jenin area. Our forces eliminated several terrorists and arrested others. They were fired on from an ambush and acted in an exemplary manner,” said Netanyahu.
“I have just visited the wounded, very impressive people. It must be pointed out that they come from all walks of Israeli society, and this must be seen—a Druze soldier, a soldier of Ethiopian descent and one who emigrated from Ukraine 10 years ago, alongside other soldiers. Simply put, it is moving to see them helping each other, shoulder to shoulder, and how they operated in the field in order to rescue their comrades,” he said.
Six wanted terror suspects were arrested during overnight operations throughout Judea and Samaria, according to the IDF. A pistol, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were seized during the raids.
Jenin has in recent months become a hornet’s nest that produces non-stop attacks against Israeli civilians, including children,who travel on the main roads in the area. The Palestinian Authority has lost control of the city into the hands of Palestinian terror groups.
In a statement, the European Union said that the events ‘’have led to several civilian casualties’’ and that ‘’military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law.’’
The EU statement reads: ‘’In line with its long-standing strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, the European Union is concerned by Israel’s announced plans to advance planning for more than 4,000 settlement units in the occupied West Bank at the end of June. The EU calls on Israel not to proceed with this.’’
It adds : ‘’Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten the viability of the two-state solution. The European Union is also concerned by changes adopted on 18 June by the Israeli government to the settlements’ planning and administration process, which will expedite the planning and approval of settlements.’’
The EU said that ‘’these unilateral steps go against the need to ensure calm and defuse tensions on the ground.’’ The European Union remains supportive of the Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh communiques, and urges all parties to recommit themselves to de-escalation, and to pave the way towards a political horizon.’’