A large-scale counterterrorism operation was launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Jenin, West Bank, on Tuesday. The IDF, alongside the Israel Security Authority and Israel Border Police, issued a joint statement announcing the operation but provided no specifics. France 24, citing the Palestinian Health Ministry, reported that two individuals were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike during the operation.

According to a purported Israeli military source speaking to the Times of Israel, the operation commenced with drone strikes and is anticipated to continue for several days. These strikes reportedly targeted terror infrastructure used by militant groups operating in Jenin.

“This action furthers our objective of enhancing security in Judea and Samaria,” the Israeli Prime Minister stated. “We are acting decisively and systematically against the Iranian axis wherever it supplies weapons – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Judea, and Samaria.”

Prior to the IDF’s operation, the Palestinian Authority (PA) had been undertaking its own weeks-long campaign to regain control in Jenin and a nearby refugee camp, a known center for terrorist organizations, as reported by Reuters.

Last month, facing increasing challenges in Jenin, the PA initiated an ongoing operation against Iranian-backed groups. This crackdown has resulted in violent confrontations and highlighted the growing divide between the PA and local communities.

“Iran has been funding militants to purchase weapons, and the Palestinian Authority is now acting to halt this. They’ve taken steps to block the funding and suppress the factions. The PA understands Iran will continue supporting Hamas and Islamic Jihad; this is their challenge. Now is the opportune moment to confront Iran, particularly following the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon—public sentiment is not receptive to any military engagement with Israel after recent events,” Mohammad Daraghmeh, Asharq News bureau chief in Ramallah, told Digital in December.

The Jenin operation coincides with a turning point in the situation in Gaza. As part of a ceasefire agreement, three Israeli civilian hostages were released on Sunday. Emily Damari, Romi Goren, and Doron Steinbrecher were reunited with their families after 471 days in Hamas captivity.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Efrat Lachter and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.