The IDF announced that it had completed the initial phase of operations in what used to be a camp for refugees in Jenin but later became a permanent neighborhood. During the operation, 22 enemy terrorists were killed, additional dozens were wounded, several were arrested, and much weaponry was seized. The IDF forces repositioned themselves on the outskirts of Jenin, ready to continue operations in the region if necessary. The army also completed a similar operation in Balata, near Shechem, where 8-10 armed terrorists were killed.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sharply criticized those who speak out against the IDF actions and who imply that the recent terrorism is a reaction to the offensives in Balata and Jenin. \"Statements against the IDF are political in nature, and are sponsored by political elements with special interests,\" he said. \"Let no one dare to equate terrorist activities with those of the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF\'s activities in the [Balata and Jenin] were cautious and designed to prevent harm from citizens, while the terrorists\' very purpose is to kill civilians.\" Meretz MK Anat Maor said that Sharon was trying to \"lay the blame for the grave deterioration at the doorstep of the opposition.\"
Col. Aviv Kochavi, Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade that operated in Balata, summed up the operation:
\"In the past few years, especially this last period, the majority of the terrorist activities have emanated from the incubator known as the Balata refugee camp... Our mission was to strike at the terrorist infrastructure and to arrest wanted terrorists... with the goal of preventing the harming of innocent civilians and to minimize the damage caused to property... In order to minimize the harm to IDF soldiers and innocent civilians, ... the forces navigated from house to house, while creating openings in the buildings\' walls and passing through them... During the operation IDF forces discovered a laboratory for the production of Kassam rockets, six uncompleted rockets, one rocket ready for launching, weapons, bombs and chemical materials for their production. The forces also found a vehicle containing seven explosive belts.
\"The forces were witnesses to a very serious and grave trend: The Palestinians used ambulances to hide gunmen. The forces witnessed at least twenty incidents, some of them were documented, of armed Palestinians entering ambulances. They did not open fire towards the ambulances in concern that innocent injured civilians were also inside them.\"
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sharply criticized those who speak out against the IDF actions and who imply that the recent terrorism is a reaction to the offensives in Balata and Jenin. \"Statements against the IDF are political in nature, and are sponsored by political elements with special interests,\" he said. \"Let no one dare to equate terrorist activities with those of the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF\'s activities in the [Balata and Jenin] were cautious and designed to prevent harm from citizens, while the terrorists\' very purpose is to kill civilians.\" Meretz MK Anat Maor said that Sharon was trying to \"lay the blame for the grave deterioration at the doorstep of the opposition.\"
Col. Aviv Kochavi, Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade that operated in Balata, summed up the operation:
\"In the past few years, especially this last period, the majority of the terrorist activities have emanated from the incubator known as the Balata refugee camp... Our mission was to strike at the terrorist infrastructure and to arrest wanted terrorists... with the goal of preventing the harming of innocent civilians and to minimize the damage caused to property... In order to minimize the harm to IDF soldiers and innocent civilians, ... the forces navigated from house to house, while creating openings in the buildings\' walls and passing through them... During the operation IDF forces discovered a laboratory for the production of Kassam rockets, six uncompleted rockets, one rocket ready for launching, weapons, bombs and chemical materials for their production. The forces also found a vehicle containing seven explosive belts.
\"The forces were witnesses to a very serious and grave trend: The Palestinians used ambulances to hide gunmen. The forces witnessed at least twenty incidents, some of them were documented, of armed Palestinians entering ambulances. They did not open fire towards the ambulances in concern that innocent injured civilians were also inside them.\"