Golani Brigade troops returned fire after coming under attack near Jit junction; a fourth terrorist turned himself in • “Job well done,” says Israel’s defense minister.
(JNS) Three Palestinian terrorists were killed by Israeli forces in the early hours of Sunday after shooting at soldiers near Yitzhar in Samaria. A fourth terrorist turned himself in to the security forces.
The gunmen had fired on soldiers engaged in routine activity at a military post near Jit junction, who responded with live fire, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
No Israeli forces were wounded during the exchange of fire.
Three M-16 rifles, a handgun and ammunition were confiscated by Israeli forces.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the soldiers for their actions.
“In a determined and precise action, the fighters of the Golani Brigade eliminated three terrorists who opened fire on them. I praise the fighters for their determination and professionalism. They prevented further attacks with their actions. Job well done,” said Gallant.
On Friday night, security forces arrested a Palestinian suspected of planting an explosive device on a bus that failed to detonate in Beitar Illit.
The joint statement by the IDF, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Police said that the suspect was apprehended in the Palestinian village of Battir, some four miles northwest of Bethlehem. Four others were arrested in connection with the incident, and a vehicle was confiscated.
No Israeli troops were wounded during the operation.
Israeli security officials issued a Red Alert warning of an infiltration at 10:20 p.m. local time on Thursday as they began a search for the terrorist. Beitar Illit is a haredi enclave of more than 9,000 families about 12 miles southwest of Jerusalem in the Gush Etzion bloc.
Israel Police’s Bomb Disposal Unit was dispatched to the scene and neutralized the device.
The attempted attack in Beitar Illit came shortly after a terrorist shooting on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv, where three people were wounded by a Palestinian gunman, who was shot and killed at the scene in an exchange of fire with Israeli forces.
In the overnight hours between Thursday and Friday, Israeli forces mapped the terrorist’s home in Ni’lin, some 10 miles west of Ramallah.
Two members of the terrorist’s family were arrested.
During the operation, Israeli troops were attacked with explosive devices, firebombs and stones, and responded with live fire. One of the assailants was hit, according to the IDF.
Israeli forces also came under fire during activities in Tulkarm overnight Thursday.
Early on Friday morning, a Palestinian terrorist was shot dead by a private citizen after breaking into the Dorot Illit agricultural settlement in northern Samaria. The owner of the land spotted the terrorist and fired at him. The terrorist was armed with knives and explosive devices.