IDF activity
IDF activityIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Further details have emerged about the IDF raid in Jenin on Saturday in which two terrorists were killed, among them one of Hamas's high-ranking officials. 

The operation in Jenin on Saturday was a joint effort by the SWAT (Yamam) team, IDF forces, and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA or Shin Bet). The raid led to the death of Hamza Abu Alheja, 20, a member of the Hamas military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. 

Alheja barricaded himself in a Jenin home, after IDF forces from the Nahal Hareidi Brigade surrounded the home. Alheja then opened fire on the teams attempting to arrest the wanted terrorist; a violent confrontation broke out afterwards, injuring two SWAT team members. Molotov cocktails and explosive charges were thrown during the attempt and several rounds of live ammunition were fired. Alheja was killed in the process. 

An Islamic Jihad terrorist and a Palestinian Arab civilian from the Palestinian Authority (PA) were also killed in the clashes, which erupted after Jenin residents rioted at IDF soldiers.

Border Police Commander, Major General Amos Ya'akov, visited the two SWAT team members on Saturday night who were injured during the IDF raid in Jenin - and gave them encouragement and congratulations. 

"You have manifested courage, professionalism and extraordinary determination," Ya'akov told the fighters. "This operation joins many others which have prevented terrorist organizations from getting what they want - and have proven that the long arm of Israeli security will catch up with them. The entire people of Israel owe their lives to the unit and its fighters, who risk their lives every day."