In the wake of the terrorist incidents in recent weeks, there are increasing voices calling for a "shield wall" operation in Arab localities and in West Bank cities.
These voices are purely populist and have no connection to reality: in the absence of targeted intelligence on the whereabouts of weapons in Arab society, not only will military activity in its vicinity bear only a few fruits, but it will also lead to mass unrest.
There is no doubt that there is a need to increase the efforts to collect weapons in Arab society by increasing cooperation between the internal security forces and between them and the sector leaders, but from here to a military operation against holders of a blue ID card is a long way off.
Even a comprehensive "shield wall" operation in West Bank cities is not applicable at the moment, both for reasons of international legitimacy and for cost-benefit reasons.
In light of this, it seems that the most likely possibility is indeed to intensify military pressure on Jenin, beyond isolation, through a series of surgical blows as possible.
Focusing on Jenin makes some sense: First, it is the "snake's head" in West Bank cities in terms of terrorist activity.
Evidently, some of the escapees from Gilboa Prison found refuge there, albeit for a short time;
About a week ago, a squad near Jenin was killed on its way to carry out an attack in Israel;
And the terrorists in the last two attacks, in Bnei Brak and Tel Aviv, are residents of Greater Jenin, and it is clear that both were well trained, given the severe injuries they managed to inflict.
In addition, the Palestinian security forces have long since withdrawn from the city, which is now under the control of the various terrorist factions.
In light of this, Jenin provides the "smoking gun" and is a top priority for action, both in terms of public opinion from home and in terms of the international public opinion that follows what is happening in Israel.
Second, beyond the efficiency inherent in concentrating effort in a single space cell, a graded use of force is easier to digest publicly and reduces the potential for burning the entire bank.
Jenin is also considered the most challenging of the West Bank cities - during the "Defensive Shield" the refugee camp in the city was a stubborn stronghold of fighting, where IDF forces absorbed the largest number of casualties, and for a long time there was psychological reluctance among decision makers. To carry out ground operations in refugee camps and city centers, the psychological barrier seems to have been broken, and apart from the deterrent effect of a successful military operation in Jenin, it will be a kind of "tool trial" and training minds and hearts for future military action in other West Bank cities, if necessary. .
Third, there is an opportunity for cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.
In November 2021, Abu Mazen tried to carry out an arms collection operation against the armed organizations in Jenin, and failed.
Following the announcement of an operation that would last for months, Palestinian security forces entered the refugee camp and left with their tails between their legs, after a violent reception from the camp residents.
Thus, combining ad hoc arms with the Palestinian Authority, in favor of arms disarmament and the return of governance to Jenin, could be more economical in terms of human life - for Abu Mazen and Israel.
It should be borne in mind that no military operation, no matter how pretentious, may permanently dislodge the nests of terrorism or the motivation to carry out terrorist attacks - from Jenin or anywhere else.
Evidently, only two weeks after the end of the defensive wall in early May, a series of terrorist attacks took place in the back of the country, after which, in June 2002, the IDF launched Operation Determined Road.
Despite the constant pressure from the various security forces, terrorist organizations in the West Bank continued to carry out terrorist attacks in Israeli territory as well.
Therefore, it seems that there is no alternative to "lawn mowing" - from time to time - to undermine the recovering military capabilities of Palestinian terrorist organizations.
If this is to buy peace, even temporary, for the citizens of Israel - our day.
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