WATCH: IDF kills Hamas-linked former senior Jenin terror cell member in West Bank vehicle strike

AUGUST 28, 2026 16:55Updated: AUGUST 28, 2026 18:28The IDF killed a former senior Jenin terror cell member and two additional terrorists in an IAF airstrike on their vehicle in the West Bank on Friday, the military confirmed in a joint statement with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).The senior terrorist, Qais Bitwani, was a Hamas operative in the now-dismantled Jenin terrorist network, according to the joint statement.Qais Bitwani was a relative of the former Jenin terrorist network commander, Noor Bitawi, who was killed by the IDF in May 2025, the military and security agency said.The statement noted that Qais Bitwani was involved in "significant" terror activities, including "directing, funding, and executing" terrorist attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians.Bitwani had maintained his connections to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as well as international operatives, the statement added.View of the damage caused from an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on January 14, 2026; Illustrative. (credit: Oren Cohen/Flash90)According to the IDF and Shin Bet, the other two terrorists in Bitwani's vehicle were his accomplices, and the vehicle also contained weapons.Netanyahu, Israel Katz congratulate IDF for Jenin strikePrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the IDF for the "successful thwarting of the terrorists in Jenin" in an X/Twitter Post earlier on Friday.Defense Minister Israel Katz also congratulated the IDF in an X post later on Friday, as well as the Israel Police and security forces, describing the strike as among the "fruits of the offensive and proactive policy we are leading in Judea and Samaria.""We do not wait for terrorism," said Katz. "We pursue it, conquer its strongholds, and thwart its people."He noted that the policy has led to an 80% decrease in West Bank terrorist activity, emphasizing that Israel "will continue to act forcefully and proactively to thwart any threat to its citizens, wherever it may be found."Follow us on Google