Tulkarem’s terror nest: Why Israel must act now to protect its heartlan

Opinion: West Bank city emerges as a new hub of terrorist activity with escalating violence threatening Israel’s Sharon region and central areas driven by young militants, Iranian-backed incitement, ongoing arms smuggling

The ongoing Gaza war has significantly altered the security landscape in Judea and Samaria, with Tulkarem emerging as a new focal point of terrorist activity. Once considered less volatile than cities like Jenin and Nablus, Tulkarem has transformed into a hub of violence, posing a direct threat to Israel’s Sharon region and central areas. A recent position paper from the Israel’s Defense and Security Forum paints a stark picture: Tulkarem is a ticking time bomb, and immediate action is required to neutralize this growing menace.

Historically, Tulkarem was not one of the most volatile areas in Judea and Samaria, but since the onset of the Gaza war, it has become a focal point of terror activity. Videos circulating on social media platforms like Telegram frequently show masked gunmen firing toward Israeli communities in the Hefer Valley, underscoring the rising hostility. In response, the IDF have intensified their counter-terror operations.

One significant effort was Operation Summer Camps in August 2024, which targeted terror cells in northern Judea and Samaria, including Tulkarem and the nearby Nur a-Shams refugee camp. The operation led to the seizure of large quantities of weapons and the elimination of senior operatives, yet despite these efforts, the threat continues to grow, with some drawing parallels to the atmosphere preceding the October 7 massacre along the Gaza border.

The Roots of Escalation

Several factors have contributed to Tulkarem’s transformation into a terror hub. The October 7 massacre served as a grim inspiration, fueling the ambitions of terror groups in Judea and Samaria. Tulkarem’s proximity to Jewish communities like Bat Hefer has only intensified the threat, with residents frequently reporting gunfire and suspected tunneling activities that raise concerns about potential infiltration attempts.

This surge in violence is largely driven by young militants from Tulkarem, Nur a-Shams, and Qalqilya, who have been radicalized by persistent incitement from the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

These groups glorify violence against Israel and promote the idea of armed struggle, aligning themselves with the broader objectives of the Iranian-backed “resistance axis,” which sees the October 7 attack as a model for future operations. Iran’s influence is particularly evident in the material and ideological support it provides. Smuggled weapons regularly enter Judea and Samaria via Jordan, exploiting security gaps along Israel’s border.

In May 2024, senior Hamas operative Zaher al-Jabarin ominously alluded to new “chapters in Palestinian military creativity,” suggesting that the next large-scale attack could originate from Judea and Samaria. This statement, made in the context of a terror summit in Tehran, underscores Iran’s ongoing efforts to destabilize Israel by encouraging increased violence in the area.

The Strategic Response

The growing threat from Tulkarem demands a comprehensive and decisive response. Israel must implement a strategy that weakens terror groups’ operational capacity and restores a sense of security to the region. One essential step is to exploit the internal rivalries between various terror organizations, such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Fatah-affiliated groups like the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Weakening these groups’ cohesion could disrupt their operational capabilities and slow the escalation of violence.

Additionally, Israel must publicly hold the Palestinian Authority responsible for any terror activity originating from areas under its jurisdiction, highlighting its obligations under existing agreements. Another critical component is reinforcing the Jordanian border to stem the flow of smuggled weapons that fuel the violence.

Intelligence and operational efforts must focus on dismantling weapons production and distribution networks that supply terror cells in Tulkarem and nearby areas.

The Need for Immediate Action

While some argue that Israel should avoid expanding its operations in Judea and Samaria while the war in Gaza continues, the reality is that the country is already engaged in a multi-front conflict. Ignoring the threat from Tulkarem risks emboldening terror groups and exposing central Israeli communities to potential attacks. Proactive measures now could prevent more severe violence in the future and save lives.

Tulkarem’s rapid transformation into a terror epicenter is a critical test for Israel’s security strategy. It is no longer a peripheral concern but a growing danger that must be addressed decisively. By taking swift, coordinated action to dismantle terror infrastructure, bolster border security, and hold responsible parties accountable, Israel can restore security to the region and prevent future attacks. The time to act is now.

As reported by Ynetnews