Photo: Depositphotos
A joint special operation by the Israeli Defence Forces, Shabak and the elite anti-terrorist unit Yamam killed Muhammad Zaharna, the last of the terrorists involved in the attack in the settlement of Hazelnut on 6 January, which killed three Israelis.
The operation took place in northern Samaria, near Jenin, and was based on accurate intelligence gathered by Shabak. Zaharna, an Islamic Jihad militant from Qabatiya, was hiding in a cave near the village of Masilya with two accomplices. During the assault, an intense firefight ensued between the terrorists and security forces, during which the IDF used anti-tank missiles.
Among those liquidated is Marukh Khazmiyah, who was previously released as part of a hostage swap deal in November 2023. After his release, he returned to terrorist activities and was wanted.
Firearms, ammunition, ceramic body armour and additional equipment were seized during the operation. Several terrorist accomplices were also detained and found to be in possession of pistols. All detainees were handed over to the SBU for further investigation.
The IDF stressed that this operation is part of a systematic campaign to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank and prevent further attacks on Israeli citizens.
