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IDF seizes weapons and arrests in Nablus raid

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Israel Defense Forces launched a counterterrorism raid in Nablus, West Bank, targeting suspects, weapons caches, and terrorist monuments.
The operation seized weapons and arrested several wanted individuals on Monday night.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Zvi Sukkot’s unauthorized monument destruction and warned officials against taking law into their own hands.
Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot called Sukkot a violent provocateur who misled the military and harmed Israel’s security.

Summary

Senior IDF commanders clashed with political leaders over whether to continue the Hebron operation.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF Chief of Staff, urged ending the Hebron raid, saying few weapons were found.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected the proposal, arguing the operation deters terrorism.
The IDF opened a November 1-12 equipment-return drive that lets civilians anonymously surrender firearms and gear.

History

In April 2002 Defense Minister Ariel Sharon launched Operation Defensive Shield, the largest Israeli incursion into the West Bank since 1967, deploying about 30,000 troops and seizing over 1,000 weapons. The month-long campaign cut suicide bombings by roughly 46 % but heightened friction with the Palestinian Authority. Today’s IDF raids in Nablus and Hebron echo that precedent as commanders clash with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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In April 2002 Defense Minister Ariel Sharon launched Operation Defensive Shield, the largest Israeli incursion into the West Bank since 1967, deploying about 30,000 troops and seizing over 1,000 weapons. The month-long campaign cut suicide bombings by roughly 46 % but heightened friction with the Palestinian Authority. Today’s IDF raids in Nablus and Hebron echo that precedent as commanders clash with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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