The Israeli military declared high alert in the southern sector on Tuesday citing threats from the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad over the arrest of its top operative in the West Bank.
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The IDF said that counterterrorism troops conducted a raid in Jenin late Monday night, during which Bassem Saadi, head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's operations in the West Bank, was arrested, as was his son-in-law and top aide, Ashraf Zidan al-Jada.
A statement by the Israel Security Agency said that the 61-year-old Saadi, who had been jailed and released by Israel seven times over the years, was "instrumental in creating a significant PIJ military force" in Samaria in general and in Jenin – the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's stronghold in the West Bank.
"His presence was a significant factor in the radicalization of the organization's operations and members on the ground," the Shin Bet said.
The PIJ confirmed that Saadi and Jada had been arrested and warned Israel of "harsh retaliation if any harm comes to them." The terrorist group also threatened to "retaliate over the occupation's aggression."
Haman warned the arrest will provoke a security escalation and urged the Palestinians to "continue the resistance and intifada."
After terrorist activities were identified with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization and due to a direct threat of a possible attack on Israeli civilians, it was decided to block off civilian areas & routes near the Gaza security fence this morning.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 2, 2022
The terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip said in a statement that "the barbaric aggression in Jenin during which senior Islamic Jihad official Bassem Saadi was arrested will spark the resistance that will pursue the occupation and its settlers anywhere on our land.
"The Palestinian blood flowing on the homeland's soil will be a beacon that lights the way for our youth to wage the blessed intifada that will bring liberation," Hamas said.
The IDF said that following a security situation assessment held in the wake of the operation it was decided to take steps to ward off "a direct threat of a possible attack on Israeli civilian."
As part of the measures deployed on the ground, the IDF cordoned off all major roads and areas adjacent to the Israel-Gaza border, including highways 4 and 232, and Route 34. The Erez Crossing was also shuttered, as was Zikim Beach.
In line with the military's measures, Israel Railways announced it was halting train services between the southern towns of Ashkelon and Netivot, as well as is Sderot.
According to available details on the raid, Israeli counterterrorism troops clashed with terror operatives in Jenin. The soldiers came under fire and engaged, with several hits identified.
No injuries were reported among the troops.
Several weapons were seized during the raid, including a handgun, several bullet magazines, M-16 bullets and cash.
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