The IDF, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Police SWAT and border security teams on Thursday killed at least three terrorists in Nablus who were behind the Dee family murders.
Three Dee family members: Lucy (Leah) Dee, and her two daughters, Maia and Rina Deewere killed by the terrorists in early April.
The three killed terrorists were Hassan Katan, Maad Mitzri and Ibrahim Hura. Katan and Mitzri were the killers of the Dee family and are members of Hamas and Hura was a key accomplice. A fourth Palestinian civilian bystander, Ziad Shuviri, was reportedly killed during the operation.
A statement by the IDF and Shin Bet mentioned a gunfight between the forces, but the Jerusalem Post has indications that an explosive drone was used.
IDF to use armed drones for targeted killings in West Bank?
In an unusual twist, the drone entered the window of the residence on Yasmin Street where the terrorists were housed and exploded. It is also possible that drone missiles were used in the operation.
The IDF had confirmed earlier that it was engaged in operations against terrorists in Nablus without giving specifics and it may choose to keep the drone tactics under the public’s radar.
Until now, the IDF usually has sent in foot soldiers to make arrests and or engage in combat with such terrorists.
The use of an explosive drone in the West Bank may have marked a new tactical shift, possibly to avoid larger friction with the surrounding Palestinian public, while hitting the terrorists themselves with a pinpoint attack.
At the same time, it appears there was an Israeli security forces presence on the ground in Nablus, but it appears to have gone in with a smaller footprint.
Until now, drones have been used to collect intelligence and sometimes to fire missiles to assassinate terrorists in Gaza, and kamikaze explosive drones have reportedly been used against Iranian targets, but not in the West Bank.
The joint statement by security forces said that “after the terror attack, there was a significant intelligence effort….which led to locating the hideout in the Nablus Kasbah.”
Further, the statement said that more pinpoint intelligence was received early Thursday leading to the terrorists, including seizing two M-16 rifles and a Kalashnikov gun.
The joint statement said that “security forces will continue to act with determination to thwart all terror threats” directed at Israelis.
Reportedly, one IDF soldier was lightly injured.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised Israeli security forces for the killing of the Palestinian terrorists responsible for the murder of three Dee family members.
“As I promised Leo, the father, the defense establishment’s arms will reach every terrorist.”
Much appreciation to the security forces for eliminating the terrorist squad that carried out the heinous attack in Hamra in which the mother Lucy and her daughters Maya and Rina Dee were murdered. As I promised Leo, the father of the family, the long hand of the security system will reach every terrorist
— Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) May 4, 2023
Efrat Mayor Oded Revivi also thanked security forces for the Nablus operation, noting that the assassination of terrorists is the “best response to terror.”
“We will continue to hug the Dee family and strengthen as a community,” Revivi said.
This is a developing story.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.