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Israel: Bennett threatens more military raids in occupied West Bank

April 11, 2022 at 1:04 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Tel Aviv, Israel on February 14, 2022 [Israeli Government Press Office/Anadolu Agency]

Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett briefed his cabinet on Sunday about the army raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin and threatened that more raids may be in the offing, local media have reported.

Bennett said that the Jenin raid was a success, and hinted at the manhunt to capture the father and other family members of Raad Hazem. It was Hazem, who hails from Jenin, who is accused of killing three Israelis in Tel Aviv.

“We will get to anyone who has had a direct or indirect connection to the attacks,” Bennett warned, a reference to events in Tel Aviv last week. “At the same time, we are also operating in other enemy arenas, near and far, night and day, to strike at the roots of terrorism. We will get to wherever is needed, at any time.”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Benny Gantz condemned “Palestinian vandalism” of Joseph’s Tomb, where illegal Israeli settlers, protected by the army, make provocative weekly visits. “The vandalism of Joseph’s Tomb is a serious violation of freedom of worship in one of the holiest places for every Jew. It violates the feelings of the entire Jewish nation, especially when it occurs during the Muslim holy month,” said Gantz. He vowed to have the site restored and prevent such incidents in the future.

“This morning, I delivered a strong message to the Palestinian Authority,” he added, “demanding the immediate reinforcement of their on-site officials, and decisive action against rioters and terrorists who harm stability and security in holy places.”

In the wake of these remarks, Israeli occupation forces killed two Palestinian women and a young man in the occupied West Bank.

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