NABLUS OPERATIONS NOVEMBER 7: IDF ACTIVITIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002330 SIPDIS SIPDIS RELEASABLE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS; E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2017 TAGS: KWBG PGOV PREL PTER PHUM KPAL IS SUBJECT: NABLUS OPERATIONS NOVEMBER 7: IDF ACTIVITIES DISRUPT PROGRESS REF: JERUSALEM 02318 Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C//REL UK, CAN) Summary. National Security Forces (NSF) sources reported that NSF-led forces are manning six fixed positions in Nablus and conducting vehicle and foot patrols around the city. Mukhabarat and PSO issued summons to 30 individuals and arrested 2 HAMAS members. More summons will be issued in advance of the November 8 deadline for surrender. The IDF conducted uncoordinated operations again in Balata camp overnight, complicating PASF efforts. NSF BG Thiab Ali (Abu al-Fatah),the Governor of Nablus, and PG Colonol Munir al-Zu'ubi said they believe the IDF raids into the Balata refugee camp undermine PASF operations and public image. End Summary. SITUATION ON THE GROUND: PASF CONTINUES CAMPAIGN WITHOUT EXPANDING -------------- ¶2. (C//REL UK, CAN) As of 1500 local on November 7, NSF-led forces (including PSO, Mukhabarat and Istikhabarat assets) continue manning six fixed positions around Nablus, and are conducting vehicle and foot patrols around the city in an effort to persuade militant and criminal suspects to surrender before the November 8 1800 deadline. No active raids or cordon operations are underway. The Mukhabarat and PSO delivered summons to the residences or family members of 30 wanted militants and gang leaders in the city. Mukhabarat sources reported the arrest of two HAMAS members. ¶3. (C//REL UK, CAN) PA DCO Chief Shawki al-Hajj met with an IDF major on the morning of November 7 and discussed the ongoing Israeli operations in Nablus, particularly the early morning IDF raid in the Balata refugee camp. A meeting between IDF and NSF commanders is pending. The Governor of Nablus, Fatah officials and PASF officials met on the evening of November 6 with leaders of the Balata refugee camp in an effort to end clashes in the camp. NEXT STEPS -------------- ¶4. (C//REL UK, CAN) NSF sources say that additional summons for wanted individuals will be issued today and tomorrow. The NSF has been instructed to dispatch units to make arrests in the event that wanted individuals do not respond by the deadline. ISRAELI INCURSION INTO BALATA DISRUPTS PASF OPERATIONS, UNDERMINES PUBLIC IMAGE -------------- ¶5. (C//REL UK, CAN) The IDF entered Balata refugee camp early on the morning of November 7 without coordination with the PASF. During the incursion, the IDF detained fourteen Palestinians for questioning and arrested seven others. The IDF detonated the home of Hani al-Kaabi, a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) activist. The blast damaged some neighboring homes. The IDF also raided the home of Yassir al-Tirawi, a gunmen who clashed with NSF forces two days before. The IDF departed the camp by 0845. ¶6. (C//REL UK, CAN) BG Ali said the IDF operations disrupted PASF activity, and sources in Nablus reported reduced PASF visibility near the Balata and Askar refugee camps during the IDF incursion. BG Ali and Nablus Governor Jamal Muhaisin said uncoordinated IDF activity in the area undermines the PASF's public image. Muhaisin said the campaign would continue and that he hopes meeting with IDF commanders will lead to improved security coordination. PG Colonol Munir al-Zu'ubi said he believes the IDF is deliberately provoking the local population to react more violently against PASF in the area. He said HAMAS is spreading the rumor that PASF are supporting the IDF in hopes of undermining the operation. WALLES