Shin Bet Releases Jibril Zubaidi, Brother of Notorious Terror Leader, in Jenin

The Shin Bet released Jibril Zubaidi from administrative detention on Monday after he completed a three-year detention period. Jibril, a senior Fatah figure and resident of Jenin, is the brother of Zakaria Zubaidi, who currently heads the Palestinian Prisoners Authority. Jibril had been held since 2023, with his detention repeatedly extended until the final order expired, prompting his release.

Zakaria Zubaidi, once a leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and now a representative of released prisoners in the Fatah Council, has a history of involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis. He was previously pardoned but returned to terrorism, escaped from Gilboa prison in a dramatic breakout, was recaptured, and ultimately freed in a January 2023 prisoner exchange. Zakaria has recently expressed deep despair about the Palestinian struggle's future, questioning the effectiveness of past resistance methods.

Jibril’s release raises security concerns due to his family’s longstanding ties to armed activities in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin. The Zubaidi family is considered central to terror operations in the region. Meanwhile, Israeli security forces continue intensive operations in Jenin to dismantle terror infrastructure. Just days ago, an indictment was filed against Kamal Hatib, commander of the Nur al-Shams Brigade, for a bombing that killed Staff Sergeant Yehuda Gato in July 2024.