NABLUS INCURSION: IDF WITHDRAWS FROM CITY CENTER,

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 001363

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/WATERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/29/2017
TAGS: KWBG PGOV KPAL IS PTER ASEC
SUBJECT: NABLUS INCURSION: IDF WITHDRAWS FROM CITY CENTER,
WRAPPING UP BALATA CAMP ACTIONS

REF: JERUSALEM 1345

Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (SBU) According to Palestinian security contacts and
press, the IDF is wrapping up operations in/around Balata
Refugee Camp in Nablus as of 1400 local June 29, and has left
the city center. The IDF shot and killed al-Aqsa Martyrs
Brigades militant Haytham Salih in al-Dahiya early June 29,
and at least six Palestinians have been injured. Israeli
media report that a total of nine IDF soldiers were injured
during the incursion (including those reported reftel) and
that the IDF discovered a bomb-making facility with intact
pipebombs, three explosives caches and several rifles and
magazines. The press reports that the IDF has detained 32
Palestinians since the operation began early June 28 and
arrested nine of these detainees for terrorist acts or
affiliation.


2. (SBU) Palestinian media contacts corrected initial
reports that the IDF took over Nablus radio and television
stations. They clarified that the IDF used the stations
assigned frequencies to transmit messages and curfew
instructions and jammed certain stations, but did not raid or
occupy their facilities. Nablus contacts also report that
the IDF has demolished at least two houses inside the city
and maintains control of some houses as observation stations.


3. (C) West Bank security contacts told ConGen Political
Specialist that the Nablus operation is undermining PM
Fayyad's program of disarming and integrating al-Aqsa
Brigades militants and giving the militia members a perfect
excuse not to hand over their weapons.
WALLES