Following pressure from Defense Minister's office: IDF forces in nighttime operation in Kalandia

The IDF launched a broad operation in the Kalandia refugee camp and in the village of Aqab, following pressure from Defense Minister Israel Katz's office. The forces continue to operate ahead of the holiday period, aiming to undermine the organizational capabilities of terrorist groups and expand the freedom of action of security forces.

The IDF has launched a large-scale operation in the Kalandia refugee camp and the village of Aqab, following pressure exerted by Defense Minister Israel Katz on the military to act in the refugee camps in Judea and Samaria. The operation was initiated ahead of the approaching holiday period, and the forces are continuing to operate at this time. The IDF notes that the operation is intended to harm and thwart the organizational capabilities of terrorist groups in the area, to expand the freedom of action of security forces after numerous acts of violence during recent entries into the area, and to increase security in the sector. They describe the operation as a "contained operation, constituting a combined and focused effort by security agencies to eradicate terrorism and enforce criminal law, with the aim of improving operational response while reducing potential risk centers in the area." The article notes that it is unclear whether the IDF intends to hold part of the camp in a manner that would leave forces inside it in defensive positions.