Israeli Forces Kill Father of 2022 Tel Aviv Terrorist After Knife Attack in Jenin

Fathi Hazem, father of Raad Hazem who killed three Israelis in a 2022 Tel Aviv attack, was killed during an Israeli military operation in Jenin. The incident occurred overnight between Thursday and Friday when soldiers from the 890th Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade attempted to arrest suspects involved in terrorism. As the troops approached a targeted building, Fathi Hazem emerged armed with a knife and tried to stab a soldier. The soldier responded by shooting and killing him on the spot. No Israeli soldiers were injured in the encounter.

Fathi Hazem previously served as the Palestinian National Security Commander in the Nablus area, a role comparable to an Israeli brigade commander, but was known for his extreme views and internal conflicts. After his son’s deadly attack on Dizengoff Street in April 2022, in which three Israelis, Tomer Mordehai, Eitam Magini, and Barak Lofen, were killed, Fathi Hazem publicly supported terrorism and incited violence from his home balcony. He then went underground with another son, hiding in the Jenin refugee camp under the protection of armed factions.

During his time in hiding, Hazem became a prominent figure among extremist groups, gaining support beyond the Palestinian Authority territories. His image appeared in graffiti in Lebanese refugee camps, and he used social media to incite violence and raise funds for terrorist organizations. Despite ongoing monitoring by Israeli security forces, no immediate action was taken due to operational challenges and the absence of an imminent threat. The recent attempt to directly attack Israeli soldiers ended with his death.

Jenin remains a central hub for terrorist activity in the West Bank, prompting frequent Israeli security operations aimed at dismantling terror infrastructures and preventing attacks. Recently, an Israeli officer and sergeant were injured by an explosive device during preparations to establish a permanent post in the Jenin refugee camp. Earlier this week, Israeli forces arrested two terrorists in the Jenin and Al-Yamoun areas who were involved in planning attacks against Israeli security forces and civilians. These efforts are part of a broader operational shift in the West Bank Division to strengthen control over terror hotspots and prevent the rebuilding of Islamic Jihad and Hamas networks in the region.