Operation “Shield and Arrow”: IDF eliminates three senior Islamic Jihad terrorists

Elad Benari

The IDF overnight Monday announced the beginning of Operation Shield and Arrow, as part of which the IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) targeted the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization’s Northern Gaza Division Commanding Officer, responsible for the rocket fire toward Israel in the past month; a senior operative and coordinator of terrorism in Judea and Samaria from Gaza; and the Secretary of the Military Council.

Bahitini, 44, lived in Gaza City. He started his activity in the Islamic Jihad in the late 90s and throughout the years was involved in many terroristic acts against Israel including- suicide bombings, explosive attacks, rocket fire and directing terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria.

After the elimination of Tayseer Jabri during operation “Breaking Dawn” in August 2022, Bahitini took over his position. Bahitini was a member of the terrorist organization’s military council and had direct and active contact with senior members of the Islamic Jihad’s Political Bureau.

The second senior Islamic Jihad terrorist to be eliminated was Tarek Az Aldin, who directed Islamic Jihad operations in Judea and Samaria from Gaza. Recently, he was planning and direction multiple attacks against Israeli civilian. Az Aldin 49, is originally from A’arbe in Samaria.

In recent years, Az Aldin was promoted in the commanding chain of the organization. He was entrusted with the coordination between the Islamic Jihad in Judea and Samaria as well as transferring funds for terrorism from Gaza to Judea and Samaria.

Az Aldin was also responsible for disturbing inciting content of the terrorist organization in Israel meant to promote and encourage terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians.

Also eliminated was Jahed Ahnam, Secretary of Cooperation for the terrorist organization in Gaza.

Ahnam, 62, resided in Rafiah, was one of the most senior members of the organization, previously served in key positions in the terrorist organization including the Commanding Officer of the Islamic Jihads’ Southern Gaza Brigade and Secretary of the Military Council.

In his last position, he was entrusted with coordinating weapons and money transfers between the Hamas terrorist organization and the Islamic Jihad.

Ahnam operated in promoting terrorism in Gaza, Judea and Samaria and around the world.

Furthermore, the IDF targeted additional terrorist targets belonging to the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, the Home Front Command instructed residents of the communities near the border with the Gaza Strip to remain in the vicinity of shelters until further notice.

The Home Front Command also announced that until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. there will be no classes in the Gaza envelope, West Lachish, West Negev, Lachish and in the central Negev.

In these areas, gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted in open areas and up to 100 people inside a building.Arriving at workplaces will only be permitted when it is possible to reach a protected space in a sufficient amount of time.

There are no restrictions in other areas of Israel.

In addition, Major General Ghasan Alyan, Head of the Unit for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, announced the closure of the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings for the passage of people and goods from the Gaza Strip to Israel – and vice versa.

The decision will take effect immediately and will be in effect until further notice.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented on the Israeli strikes in Gaza and tweeted, “The citizens of Israel are in good hands. Thank you to the IDF and the security forces for the execution and to the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister for leading the move. A big hug to the residents of the south and thank you to the citizens of Israel who give their trust even when it is impossible to say everything in real time. The IDF is ready to continue.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also commented on the strikes on his Twitter account and wrote, “It’s about time!”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on the elimination of the terrorists and wrote on his Twitter account, “The IDF and the Shin Bet tonight precisely carried out their mission against the leadership of the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip. Any terrorist who harms the citizens of Israel will regret it. We will pursue and overtake our enemies.”