Two rockets were launched on Monday morning at Israel from the Jenin area but exploded in Palestinian territory without hitting any Israelis or Israeli locations, which marks the first time a rocket was fired at Israel from the West Bank in 18 years.
One fell five meters from the launch staging area and the other fell 80 meters from the launch staging area. Although a review of the wreckage found that the body of the rockets was full, no explosive materials were found in the wreckage.
This suggests that either the rockets were a publicity stunt or a test run that was not meant to actually explode on Israelis. It is unknown if those who launched the rockets might have concealed more rockets as well as explosive materials.
Broadly speaking, the rockets were found to be of a primitive design.
According to the IDF, the rockets did not pose a threat to Israeli communities in the area, though it was unclear if this was because it lacked the range to strike them or because the rocket had other issues.
Israeli military vehicles are seen during clashes with Palestinians during a raid in Jenin in the West Bank January 26, 2023 (credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)Israeli security forces arrived at the scene and conducted searches in the area, but did not yet report any arrests.
The IDF said that the incident is under review, but did not give much specific information about who carried it out or how similar future incidents would be prevented.
The incident follows another recent incident of a dummy rocket being prepared to potentially fire at Israel or at least appears to threaten Israel.
It also comes after a recent warning by Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar that Palestinian terrorists were making renewed efforts to acquire rockets in the West Bank and fire them on Israel.
If such terror groups succeeded, it could represent a whole new front for rocket defense, since presently Israel’s rocket defense is deployed to defend against rockets from Lebanon or Gaza.
The new situation also occurs after last week’s drastic escalation in terror from the Palestinian side, use of force by the IDF and revenge attacks by Jewish West Bank residents.
‘Will Jenin become Gaza?’
Likud MK Danny Danon criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Likud faction meeting following reports on the initial incident, Walla reported.
“I saw a report by the IDF spokesman that a rocket had been launched from Jenin this morning,” he said. “Last week, four Jews were murdered and we haven’t seen any reaction yet. What are we waiting for? That Jenin will become Gaza?
“We know that there are standard plans to deal with the worsening security chaos in northern Samaria. Why is it not being approved at the political level? The residents of Samaria will not be sitting ducks.”
Oved Nur, head of the Gilboa Regional Council, addressed local residents in a statement saying that a faction of Hamas operating in the area of the city of Jenin published a disturbing video in which rockets were fired and aimed toward the Gilboa Regional Council’s towns.
National Unity Party MK Benny Gantz told the prime minister that “in the whole issue of fighting terrorism, you and the government have full backing so long as you act responsibly and decisively. The rocket firing today in Jenin is more escalation and terrorist organizations becoming more bold. As we did against the Lions’ Den, as we always did when terrorism reared its head – we must remove the threat. By any means, with any force required, and wherever required. The security of the citizens should be the top priority.”
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi commended the brigade commanders serving in the West Bank “who are fighting terrorism and physically risking their lives every day. They are also at the forefront when it is necessary to prevent harm to Palestinian residents that would be unfortunately at the hands of Israeli citizens. Both of these tasks serve the security of the country and its citizens.”
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