Israeli security operations intensified this week in northern Samaria, where Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in close cooperation with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), eliminated a heavily armed terror cell and undertook a series of counterterrorism raids. These actions followed a deadly attack near the community of Bruchin, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by Iran-backed terror elements operating in the region.
In the aftermath of the attack carried out near Bruchin, IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, deployed elite Duvdevan commandos—guided by Shin Bet intelligence—to the villages of Tamun and Tubas. These operations targeted compounds used by militants directing and executing military terror activity against Israel. Israeli forces launched the raids overnight and into the morning, closing off area villages, erecting roadblocks, and restricting movement in an effort to apprehend those responsible.
During the raids, Duvdevan operatives and undercover Border Police confronted armed terrorists entrenched in fortified positions. Following exchanges of fire, which included the use of shoulder-fired rockets by the militants, Israeli forces neutralized five terrorists and arrested another individual. The search of the premises yielded three M-16 assault rifles, four tactical vests, explosives, and other combat equipment, confirming the cell’s preparations for imminent attacks. Parallel operations in Tubas led to the arrest of three more armed suspects, and the seizure of six additional rifles, a handgun, a grenade, and other military-grade gear. Multiple improvised explosive devices found on-site were safely dismantled.
According to Israeli military sources, the cell was in advanced stages of planning major attacks against Israeli communities. The IDF and Shin Bet maintain that such raids are a critical component of Israel’s defensive strategy, aimed at preempting further violence by dismantling terrorist infrastructure before planned operations can be executed. Since the October 7, 2023 massacre—carried out by Hamas in the deadliest antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust—Israeli defense forces have faced escalating threats from multiple regional proxies supported by Iran.
In response to this heightened environment, Israeli forces have adapted their operational doctrine. Increased coordination between intelligence agencies and ground units enables rapid response to actionable leads and an aggressive posture against terror networks. The Duvdevan unit, renowned for its ability to operate covertly in hostile environments, plays a leading role in such precision counter-terror actions. The events in Tamun and Tubas are part of a broader Israeli effort to systematically disrupt the logistics, manpower, and weapons supplies sustaining militant operations in Judea and Samaria.
As the search for the assailant responsible for the Bruchin attack continues, security forces have reaffirmed their commitment to both resolve and restraint. All operations are conducted in accordance with Israel’s legal and ethical obligations, including the clear distinction between terrorists and non-combatants. Measures to maintain humanitarian access and minimize disruption to daily civilian life remain a priority even during the implementation of security cordons and roadblocks.
Israeli officials have emphasized that the broader campaign against Iran-backed organizations—such as Hamas, which orchestrates ongoing attacks across the region—requires not only military resolve but also robust diplomatic and intelligence cooperation with international partners. The government has called for increased pressure on nations, entities, and individuals enabling terror activities, reiterating Israel’s right and duty to defend its citizens against persistent and organized threats.
Military analysts see the successful raids as an illustration of Israel’s deterrent capability and commitment to proactive defense. The neutralization of an active terror cell, along with the preemptive seizure of weapons and explosives, has temporarily reduced the immediate risk of further attacks. However, security authorities warn that the threat remains ongoing as Iran and its proxies continue to invest in destabilizing activities and fomenting violence against Israel.
Local leaders have urged residents in the region, particularly near Bruchin, to maintain heightened vigilance. Israel’s defense establishment, backed by intelligence and technology assets, remains poised to respond swiftly to emerging threats. The elimination of this terror cell is a testament to the enduring importance of close interagency coordination, operational readiness, and the unyielding moral clarity guiding Israel’s fight to defend its people.
