IDF Launches Extensive Operations in Northern West Bank After Two Stabbings Amid Rising Tensions

Following two consecutive stabbing attacks in northern Samaria (West Bank), the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division and Central Command have heightened their alert level ahead of the weekend. On Thursday evening, the IDF announced a wide-scale operational activity in the villages of Tubas and Beit Furik, from where the attackers originated. During the operation, soldiers entered the homes of the assailants, conducted searches, and interrogated suspects. One IDF soldier was lightly wounded in an attack near the settlement of Ganim.

Security officials clarified that the two attacks were carried out by lone perpetrators with no connection to terror cells in the area. The second attacker, identified as Yazan Suafita, 25, a member of the Palestinian security forces, was killed at the scene. The first stabbing followed an arson attack near the "Derech Avraham" farm, which was confirmed as deliberate. Itamar Cohen, a co-founder of agricultural farms in Judea and Samaria, was stabbed by two terrorists while trying to extinguish the fire and was seriously injured.

The recent arson incidents, including a severe fire at the Gilad farm last weekend, have escalated tensions in the region. The IDF is treating these fires seriously due to the summer heat and the risk of a wave of terror-related arsons. There are concerns about attempts by hostile elements to incite violence, including "price tag" attacks such as the arson of a mosque in the village of al-Tuwani and threats against Palestinian families in the Binyamin region.

The IDF has deployed numerous forces along roads and settlements in Samaria to prevent widespread escalation, especially given the presence of hundreds of terrorists recently released in prisoner exchange deals. Unlike previous years, the IDF now operates deep within Palestinian towns and refugee camps in northern Samaria, having established control and destroyed structures used to threaten Israeli forces. This expanded operational scope has significantly hindered the formation of organized terror cells.

In the coming weeks and months, numerous new settlements are planned in northern Samaria, with the IDF preparing the area for incoming residents amid fears that terror groups may exploit the increased civilian and military presence to carry out attacks. Hamas praised the recent attacks as a response to settler actions and called for escalating resistance.

The Palestinian Authority reported the deaths of the two attackers near "Derech Avraham," both residents of Beit Furik, whose bodies remain in IDF custody. Palestinians also accused settlers of setting agricultural lands on fire in the village of Qalud and firing at residents.

In response, Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan visited the wounded Itamar Cohen and vowed to strengthen settlement efforts, promising to build the new settlement of Shalem near the attack site and enhance security. President Isaac Herzog expressed deep shock over the attack in a conversation with Dagan, wishing Cohen a full recovery and emphasizing the need for swift security action. Dagan reaffirmed the resilience of the settlements in Samaria.