IDF on High Alert in South Following Arrest of Top Islamic Jihad Official

A high alert has been announced in the south of Israel Tuesday after the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) delivered threats over the arrest of its top operative.

The IDF said that Bassem Saadi, head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s operations in Yehudah and Shomron, was arrested, as was his son-in-law and his top aide Ashraf Zidan al-Jada, in a raid in Jenin late Monday night.

The 61-year-old Saadi, has already been jailed seven times over the years. He is blamed for the creation of a significant PIJ military force in Shomron and in Jenin.

“His presence was a significant factor in the radicalization of the organization’s operations and members on the ground,” the Shin Bet said.

The PIJ threatened “harsh retaliation if any harm comes to them.” The terrorist group also threatened to “retaliate over the occupation’s aggression.”

The IDF said that following a security situation assessment held in the wake of the operation it was decided to take steps to ward off “a direct threat of a possible attack on Israeli civilian.”

As part of the measures deployed on the ground, the IDF cordoned off all major roads and areas adjacent to the Israel-Gaza border, including highways 4 and 232, and Route 34. The Erez Crossing was also shuttered, as was Zikim Beach.

Israel Railways stopped train service between the southern towns of Ashkelon and Netivot, as well as in Sderot.