IDF launches most powerful operations in years against terror in Judea and Samaria

In January 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commenced an extensive military operation in northern Samaria known as 'Operation Iron Wall.' According to Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim, the head of the Israeli Defense Ministry's Civil Administration, these operations mark the most significant military activity in Judea and Samaria since the 2002 military campaign called 'Operation Defensive Shield.' As part of their efforts, the IDF has intensified counter-terrorism raids, highlighting a notable increase in operational performance over the past year. Ibrahim claimed that the IDF's ongoing actions are aimed at dismantling terror nests within the region, with a particular focus on the Jenin area, which has frequently been described as a terrorist hub. During a recent operation, Israeli tanks were even sighted near Jenin, which marks a rare military presence that has not been observed since the early 2000s. This uptick in military engagement reflects heightened security concerns amid escalating tensions in the region. Furthermore, the military has implemented various security measures catering to the approximately 500,000 residents of Jewish communities throughout Judea and Samaria. Brig. Gen. Ibrahim emphasized the important role that the collaboration between local authorities and the IDF plays in maintaining security stability. The military has initiated plans to develop new access roads, establish landing pads for IDF forces, and improve overall security to counter a potential resurgence of violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently indicated an awareness of a potentially more intense conflict that could arise in Judea and Samaria given the ongoing hostilities with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He confirmed that the Israeli army is preparing to create a target bank for the Israeli Air Force, preparing for attack scenarios similar to those witnessed during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks. These plans involve targeting critical infrastructure to impede terrorist advancements, highlighting the volatile situation in the region as tensions continue to escalate between Israeli forces and Palestinian factions.