Inspired by the events of the past few days, some media outlets rushed to praise Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades operative Ibrahim Nablusi, who was targeted and killed in Nablus Tuesday, as a major figure in the world of terrorism. His killing was compared to that of top Palestinian Islamic Jihad commanders Tayseer al-Jabari and Khaled Mansour in the latest operation against Gaza terror factions.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The truth is that these cases have nothing in common, not even the tactics. The only thing that links the events is that it was the Shin Bet security agency's operations department that linked the intelligence to the action, and gave the go-ahead to the Israeli Air Force in the Gaza airstrike as well as the Israel Police special forces in Nablus.
Nablusi was a member of a local cell that carried out terrorist attacks in Samaria. His three fellow cell-mates were killed in February of this year, but he managed to avoid the strike, thereby becoming a celebrity. He gave many media interviews and starred on social media, with some Israeli media outlets helping bolster the young Palestinian's ego. He was comparing himself to Zakharia Zubeidi.
Like Zubeidi, who operated out of the Jenin refugee camp, Nablusi was based out of the Kasbah (ancient fortress) of Nablus and swore to keep up jihad against Israel from there.
A few days ago, the Shin Bet obtained intelligence about terrorist attacks he was planning. Because of Operation Breaking Dawn, a decision was made to hold off on arresting him and act when he emerged from the crowded Kasbah. But Nablusi hunkered down, and given the immediate threat, Israel decided to send in police special forces and Shin Bet personnel, who were backed up by IDF troops.
Despite the IDF's operational and intelligence control, it was a comparatively complicated operation because of the Kasbah's topography, density, and the many armed terrorists in the area. This was why the operation entailed a relatively large Palestinian casualty count – three killed altogether, and many others wounded.
Israel rushed to congratulate itself on Nablusi's elimination. Election season led to a flood of messages, most of which were superfluous. Politicians don't have to thank the security forces after every single mission, and people who thank them have to be able to accept responsibility for future failures, as well.
The Nablus gangs
In the Palestinian Authority, however, there were people who rushed to promise revenge, which is also something to be taken with a grain of salt. Nablusi wasn't a notable member of any terrorist organization, but rather a passing local star who attracted a violent street gang following. So it's doubtful anyone will hurry to avenge his death – certainly when it's in Judea and Samaria after the recent stinging defeat in the latest Gaza operation.
Still, Israel should take note of the constantly growing number of Palestinians being killed during military actions. The heavy pressure on the Palestinian street since the wave of terrorist attacks in March, which is seeing nightly arrests of terror suspects as part of Operation Breakwater, could at some point lead to a counter-push from the Palestinian public. Israel wants to fight terrorism, but not rile up the entire population. So it needs to find ways of focusing its operations against terrorists and fugitives while allowing most of the Palestinian population to lead normal lives.
Steps such as opening Ramon Airport for Palestinians is a good carrot that can yield good results for Israel.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
