A rocket was fired at Israel on Monday morning from the Jenin area, but it exploded in Palestinian territory without hitting any Israelis or Israeli sites.
According to the IDF, the rocket did not pose a threat to Israeli communities in the area, although it was unclear whether this was because it did not have the range to hit them or because the rocket had other problems.
Israeli security forces arrived at the scene and searched the area, but have yet to report any arrests.
The incident is under review – IDF
The IDF said the incident is under review, but did not provide much specific information about who carried it out or how future similar incidents will be prevented.
The incident follows another recent incident of a simulated rocket being prepared to potentially fire at Israel or at least appear to threaten Israel.
Israeli military vehicles are seen during clashes with Palestinians during a raid in Jenin in the West Bank on January 26, 2023 (Credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)
It also comes after a recent warning by Shin Bet director Ronen Bar that Palestinian terrorists were making renewed efforts to acquire rockets in the West Bank and fire them at Israel.
If these terrorist groups were to succeed, it could represent a whole new front for rocket defense, as Israel’s rocket defense is currently deployed to defend against rockets from Lebanon or Gaza.
The new situation also comes after the drastic escalation of terror from the Palestinian side last week, the use of force by the IDF and revenge attacks by Jewish residents of the West Bank.
‘Jenin will become Gaza?’
Likud MP Danny Danon criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Likud faction meeting after reports of the initial incident, Walla reported.
“I saw a report from the IDF spokesman that a rocket had been fired from Jenin this morning,” he said. “Last week, four Jews were killed and we still haven’t seen any reaction. What are we waiting for? For Jenin to become Gaza?
“We know there are standard plans to deal with the worsening security chaos in northern Samaria. Why is it not being approved at the political level? The people of Samaria will not be sitting around.”
Oved Nur, head of the Gilboa Regional Council, addressed local residents in a statement saying that a Hamas faction operating in the Jenin city area released a disturbing video in which rockets were fired and aimed at cities of the Regional Council of Gilboa. .
National Unity Party MP Benny Gantz told the prime minister that “on the whole issue of fighting terrorism, you and the government have full support as long as you act responsibly and decisively. The launch of rockets today in Jenin is more escalating and the terrorist organizations are getting bolder. As we did against the Lions Den, as we always did when terrorism reared its head, we must eliminate the threat. By any means, with any force necessary and wherever necessary. The safety of citizens should be the highest priority. .”
