The IDF and the Shin Bet (internal security service) said that fighting in the occupied territories is currently taking place on a larger scale because the Palestinian militants have improved in weapons and in audacity.
Almost all operations to capture wanted persons end in firefights and deaths, which in turn provokes a desire for revenge and new cycles of violence.
Ynet pointed out that the situation has left a greater number of deaths among the Palestinian ranks.
According to Israel, so far this year, 150 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result of the actions of Israeli troops, although Israel has lost 216 personnel.
“Everywhere, day and night, a real war is being waged in the (occupied) territories, which in recent weeks has even increased in intensity,” the source stressed.
The throwing of stones at Israeli military jeeps entering Palestinian cities has been replaced by Molotov cocktails and live ammunition, provoking a harsh response from the soldiers, the source said, citing yesterday’s assault on the refugee camp of Jenin as an example, which has been turned into a “true fortified compound, with explosives, barbed fences and cameras designed to warn of the entry of the IDF, .”
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