Security tensions in Judea and Samaria continued to intensify on Thursday amid calls for "day of rage" protests and continuing the popular struggle against Israel. Hamas, along with Islamic Jihad, called on Palestinians to "go to Al-Aqsa mosque [on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem], hold marches in the territories and clash with the IDF."
Earlier this week, Israel Hayom reported that the IDF was preparing for the possibility of an escalation, deploying several battalions and special forces contingents throughout Judea and Samaria as reinforcements. Additional surveillance balloons were also deployed. The IDF's main focus is to safeguard roads and communities, alongside patrols and raids to apprehend terrorist suspects. The concerns surround an increase in terrorist attacks, accompanied by violent protests.
On Thursday, Molotov cocktails were thrown at an IDF force in Jenin, but no casualties were reported. Stone-throwing incidents were reported in the area of Beit Sahour near Bethlehem, Ras al-Amud in east Jerusalem, Beit Naballah near Ramle, and more.
Meanwhile, soldiers fired tear gas at Palestinian rioters in the al-Khader area, also near Bethlehem. Several Palestinians were arrested. Another report said Molotov cocktails were thrown at security forces near the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Psagot and in Pisgat Ze'ev. Disturbances also took place in the Palestinian villages of Beit Furik, Nabi Saleh and Beit Jala. Molotov cocktails were thrown at a vehicle with Israeli license plates near Ariel.
Also on Thursday, the Rescuers Without Borders NGO reported that a stabbing attack on a soldier was thwarted near the Fawar, southwest of Hebron. The terrorist was apprehended at the scene. At Carmei Tzur junction in Gush Etzion, an Arab assailant tried attacking drivers with a knife. Soldiers at the scene fired warning shots in the air and the suspect fled on foot. No casualties were reported.
Overnight Wednesday, IDF and Border Police units operated in the South Hebron Hills. The forces found a large amount of ammunition. Five suspects were arrested in the operation. IDF forces also found weapons in the village of Burkin, west of Jenin, while 10 terror suspects were arrested throughout Judea and Samaria.
Palestinian sources, meanwhile, said that Hamas has accused Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of helping Israel locate Ahmed Jarrar, who led the terror cell that murdered Rabbi Raziel Shevah in early January. Jarrar was killed in a clash with Israeli security forces on Tuesday.
Additionally, a manhunt was still underway to capture Jaffa resident Abed el-Hakim Adel Asi, 19, who murdered Rabbi Itamar Ben-Gal near Ariel on Monday. Asi's father, who had been detained for questioning, was released from custody.
