The Israeli military issued a high alert in the south of the country on Tuesday citing threats from the Gaza-based terror group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad over the arrest of its top operatives.

The IDF said that counterterrorism troops conducted a raid in Jenin on Monday night, during which Bassem Saadi, head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s operations in the West Bank, was arrested, as was his son-in-law and top aide, Ashraf Zidan al-Jada.

The IDF said that following a security situation assessment held in the wake of the operation it was decided to take steps to ward off “a direct threat of a possible attack on Israeli civilian.”

A statement by the Israel Security Agency said that the 61-year-old Saadi, who had been jailed and released by Israel seven times over the years, was “instrumental in creating a significant PIJ military force” in Samaria in general and in Jenin – the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s stronghold in the West Bank.

“His presence was a significant factor in the radicalization of the organization’s operations and members on the ground,” the Shin Bet said.

Hamas warned the arrest will provoke a security escalation and urged the Palestinians to “continue the resistance and intifada.”

As part of the measures deployed on the ground, the IDF cordoned off all major roads and areas adjacent to the Israel-Gaza border.

Read More: Israel Hayom

Related Articles:

‘Please bring her home’ – Father of 9-year-old, Emily, asks London rally for help to rescue his ‘sweet, innocent’ daughter

Thomas Hand, father of Emily, who turned 9 in Hamas captivity last week, was among family members of hostages that addressed the crowd at the 'Never Again is Now' rally in London on...

Why did Pope Francis promote hateful propaganda against Israel?

This week we saw an example of why those who are in authority need to be particularly careful with their words because they have the power to influence many people. Sadly, the Pope has...

‘Christians must not remain silent at this time’ – Des Starritt addresses pro-Israel rally in London

Des Starritt, Executive Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) in the UK, spoke at the Never Again Is Now prayer rally on Sunday 19th November 2023. CUFI was pleased to support...

Thousands rally outside Downing Street for Christian solidarity with the Jewish community

CUFI would like to thank all our supporters who attended the Never Again Is Now prayer rally on Sunday evening in a peaceful stand of solidarity with the Jewish community, and for all...

Comparing Israel to the Nazis is antisemitic

Comparing Israel to the Nazis is antisemitic. It's as simple as that. However, we know the world we live in cannot take a simple truth an all agree to it. In fact, the reason we have to...

FREE booklet:

Britain’s stand with Israel – 12 actions CUFI would like the UK to take