Previous rocket programs were thwarted by the ISA, which remains steadfast in preventing terrorist organizations from reviving this threat against Israeli cities. Senior security officials caution against allowing northern Samaria to become a second Gaza.

Armed terrorist groups in Samaria already use substantial explosive charges similar to those employed by terrorist organizations in Gaza and southern Lebanon. The deployment of a large improvised explosive device (IED) against an IDF armored vehicle in Jenin in June is reminiscent of Hamas and Hizbullah in their areas of operation.

Now, these groups in northern Samaria are also attempting to adopt the rocket-launching tactic. For the Palestinians, launching rockets toward Israel marks a pivotal moment in their struggle. They intend to capitalize on this strategy and anticipate that the IDF and ISA will conduct widespread operations across Judea and Samaria to contain the phenomenon.

A significant achievement of Operation “Shield and Arrow” in Gaza in May 2023 was the elimination of Tarek Izz a-Din, a senior leader of Islamic Jihad responsible for its military operations in Judea and Samaria.

Izz a-Din had established a network for manufacturing and launching rockets from the Jenin area. However, the ISA successfully apprehended all members of this cell before they could launch rockets toward Israel.

Izz a-Din shared a close relationship with Saleh al-Arouri, the head of Hamas’ military wing in Judea and Samaria, which contributed to establishing the “Al-Ayash Battalion.”

The head of the ISA (Shabak), Ronen Bar, regards this phenomenon with utmost seriousness. A substantial intelligence effort is underway to locate the individuals involved in rocket production.

A senior security source emphasized that the IDF and ISA will not hesitate to reenter the Jenin refugee camp to halt these activities and put an end to rocket production and launching from Samaria toward Israel.