The IDF is carrying out a preventive arrest and interrogation campaign against Hamas operatives in Judea and Samaria ahead of the terrorist organization’s Foundation Day this Sunday, aiming to ensure Hamas “cannot raise its head.”
Lt. Col. Aleph, a battalion commander in the Binyamin Brigade, described the operation in a conversation with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News. “This week we operated in the villages of Qatanna, Biddu, and Beit Surik, where we detained dozens of suspected Hamas operatives for questioning. These are individuals who openly support Hamas or have carried out attacks directed by the organization or under its auspices.”
He said the primary objective is deterrence. “Of course, we want to thwart terror and close the circle with every terrorist so he cannot strike again. But beyond that, it is important to show the enemy that we are tracking him, that we will continue our efforts, and that we will reach anyone involved in terrorism. On the very day the enemy seeks to celebrate its cruel and immoral existence, we intend to stand at its doorstep and stop it.”
According to Lt. Col. Aleph, Hamas will seek to mark its establishment with displays of support, which the IDF will not allow. “We believe celebrations or gatherings could develop on Sunday in the Binyamin area, and we will act immediately to prevent this. As those responsible for security, it is our duty to ensure that members of an organization that slaughters and murders cannot raise their heads precisely on their founding day.”
After ten months commanding the sector, he said his central task is to stay ahead of a constantly adapting enemy. “The enemy changes all the time. I cannot assume behavior will be the same from one village to another, or that what happened a month ago reflects a fixed pattern. My commanders and soldiers know we must continually question the enemy’s behavior and stay one step ahead.”
He added that while the forces cannot have full visibility of every terrorist, offensive operations significantly limit the enemy’s ability to act. “We know we do not understand everything the enemy is planning, and unfortunately we will not be able to thwart every attack. But we will continue to act to prevent terrorism and to close the circle with all terrorists. We arrive frequently and forcefully in the villages, carrying out offensive defense. This ongoing activity inevitably reduces the level of terrorism, even if it cannot eliminate it completely.”
