Security forces arrested a wanted suspect on Thursday morning in Tulkarem in Samaria. During the operation, exchanges of fire broke out, and the forces were targeted with explosive devices.
An initial inquiry indicates that an explosive device was detonated during the forces’ exit from the area, which injured five Israel Border Police officers, of whom three were severely injured, and two were lightly to moderately injured. The officers were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment, and their families have been notified.
The initial inquiry found that the officers were wounded by a frag grenade that was thrown by one of the officers and bounced back off a gate that was between them and the terrorists.
The squad commander managed to kick the grenade away, and by this, he apparently prevented it from killing him and his men.
Dr. Alon Navet, the Assistant Director of Beilenson Hospital in Petach Tikva, gave an update on the conditions of two of the officers: "Two injured officers from the incident in Tulkarem arrived at the hospital's trauma ward; one is in light condition, and the other is in severe condition and is currently in the operating room."
Two officers were brought to the trauma ward at the Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba. The hospital stated that "one of the injured officers is in critical condition and is currently in the operating room where the medical staff is fighting for his life. The other officer is in light to moderate condition and is being tended to by the surgical emergency room staff."
Meir Medical Center later updated that the medical staff managed to stabilize the officer, who was in critical condition, and he is now in severe yet stable condition.
Laniado Hospital in Netanya stated that one officer is being tended to in its operating room, and his condition is severe yet stable.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated following the operation: "I convey my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Border Police officers who were wounded in last night's operation in Tulkarm.
The IDF and the security forces will continue to take courageous and determined action in order to clear out the terrorist nests in Judea and Samaria."
The Prime Minister added: "We hold Iran directly responsible for the wave of terrorism in Judea and Samaria, in encouraging and financing murderous operations against the citizens of Israel.
The Government of Israel will fight terrorism with determination and defend the citizens of Israel."
Earlier in the morning, the Palestinian Authority security apparatus arrested senior Islamic Jihad operative Nazir Nasser after they raided his home in the town near Tulkarem.
In Nablus, severe clashes broke out between Palestinian terrorists and IDF soldiers who were protecting Jewish worshipers at Joseph's tomb.
The Palestinians burned tires and threw firebombs and explosives at the soldiers and IDF bulldozers that were operating in the area. The IDF responded using riot dispersal means.