EFRAT, GUSH ETZION – The IDF and Israeli security forces have continued their operation over night to locate the three abducted boys while decimating the Hama terror infrastructure in Judea and Samaria.
The IDF carried out night raids throughout all of Judea and Samaria, this time meeting little resistance.
An IDF spokesman announced that as part of an extensive series of intelligence and operational activities, security forces arrested 65 wanted persons; 51 of them were released as part of the Schalit deal in 2011. They further shut down a terrorist affiliated radio station. Ten brigades are participating in these operations. Since the beginning of the operation some 240 terrorists were arrested and about 800 homes were searched. Hundreds of weapons have been uncovered during these searches.
The Gazan front appears to be heating up. Hamas officials from Gaza have threatened to retaliate against the IDF’s operations against their infrastructure. In the past 14 days, 11 rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel. There are reports of the IDF deploying more Iron Dome anti-rocket systems throughout the south.
The spokesman stated that extensive army operations will continue and deepen as required. “The IDF will relentlessly continue its operational activities and intelligence work. The IDF will bring significant damage to terrorist organizations and act decisively against anyone who activates terror against the State of Israel,” said the spokesman.
Brigadier General Nitzan Alon, GOC Central Command, stated that Hamas would emerge from this operation strategically weakened. However, he stressed that the operation was not short term. “We are in the midst of a complex operation to capture terrorists and to return the boys home safely. We are fighting a complex and ongoing campaign that will not end soon. Hamas has been compromised in all its dimensions. Hamas leaders have already admitted their injury. Hamas will emerge from this ongoing battle weakened operationally and strategically. We will continue this assault to the extent necessary, and do everything to bring the boys back home safely,” stated Alon.
