IDF Completes Major 72-Hour Counterterrorism Operation in West Bank

(Video: IDF Spokesperson)

IDF and Judea and Samaria Border Police forces completed a targeted counterterrorism operation in the Samaria Brigade’s sector, operating for 72 hours across eight villages and the city of Shechem (Nablus), the IDF Spokesperson announced Wednesday evening. During the operation, approximately 300 locations were searched, eight wanted suspects were arrested, weapons were seized, and two terrorists’ homes and 12 monuments honoring terrorists were demolished. According to the IDF, the monuments were used to incite terrorism.

One of the main focuses of the operation was the village of Yatzid, where soldiers from the Duvdevan unit operated under the direction of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). The forces arrested a terrorist who, according to the military, was involved in trafficking explosives and weapons and transferring them to a terrorist cell. Meanwhile, officers from the Judea and Samaria Border Police undercover unit arrested another wanted suspect in the village who, according to the IDF, was involved in manufacturing explosives and weapons, arms trafficking, and planning attacks.

On Wednesday morning, Samaria Brigade forces, together with the Yahalom unit, operated in the village of Beita and demolished the homes of Zakariya Mahmad Abd Daoud and Ibrahim Abd al-Karim Abd Daoud. According to the IDF Spokesperson, the two carried out three attacks involving explosive devices in 2024 and 2025, two of which resulted in injuries to members of the security forces.

During the operation, forces also targeted sites of incitement. Under previously approved operational plans, 12 monuments erected in memory of terrorists linked to attacks were demolished. The military said the monuments encouraged incitement to terrorism. The activity was part of ongoing efforts to combat incitement in the area.

In addition to the arrests and demolitions, forces discovered and confiscated a hunting rifle, a handgun, and ammunition during extensive searches. The IDF stated that operations in the area will continue, emphasizing that its forces will keep working to prevent terrorist activity throughout the Judea and Samaria Division, alongside efforts to bring terrorist operatives and those involved in incitement to justice.

(Video: IDF Spokesperson)