According to a recent IDF intelligence report, the city of Shechem continues to be a center for terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria despite the presence of hundreds of Palestinian Authority troops. The report used the example of the recent discovery and arrest of a Shechem-based Hamas terrorist cell that was responsible for at least two terrorist shootings and the murder of two Israelis. The cell was discovered by IDF soldiers, not PA forces.
PA forces are working to combat external displays of anarchy, the report said, but have not attempted to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the city. According to the “Road Map” the PA is required to actively fight terrorist groups and not only impose order, security officials pointed out.