Samaria Regional Council Head Calls for Stronger Civilian Presence After Hamas Cell Foiled

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, praised Israeli security forces on Sunday for thwarting a Hamas terror infrastructure cell that had planned attacks and possessed a rocket. The operation, a joint effort by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police, took place in the village of Aqaba in the northern Jordan Valley, resulting in the neutralization of the cell and the seizure of the rocket.

Dagan commended the forces' decisive action, stating, "I congratulate the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the Israel Police for the determined and important operation to thwart the Hamas cell that threatened the region's security." He emphasized that alongside military operations, strengthening settlements and asserting Israeli sovereignty are crucial for eradicating terror.

"The determined action of the IDF, along with deepening settlement and asserting sovereignty, are what will cleanse northern Samaria and the entire region of terror," Dagan declared. He further asserted that only a combination of uncompromising offensive military action against terror infrastructure and a strong civilian presence on the ground will bring the necessary security to Israeli citizens.