One of the Israelis was seriously injured and was airlifted to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. He underwent surgery, was admitted to the intensive care unit and was in stable condition. Three other soldiers were slightly injured, including one who was released from hospital later that morning, officials said. The clash erupted when terrorism suspects opened fire on an Israeli group from the selected Yamam Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Border Police, which tried to arrest them. The Shin Bet internal security service said the suspects were in a vehicle when they collided with Israeli troops in the village of Arraba, southwest of Jenin. Get the Times of Israel Daily E-mail and never miss our top stories By registering, you agree to the terms The suspects appeared to be on their way to carry out an attack, Israeli authorities said. “Information was received about a group of terrorists on the way to carry out an attack,” police said, adding that the group was also involved in recent terrorist activities against Israeli security forces. The suspects were under Shin Bet surveillance for several hours before the exchange of gunfire, and Israeli troops found firearms and grenades in their vehicle. The police gave the publication images of the weapons that were said to be on the suspects vehicle, including a M16 weapon, at least two 30 cartridge magazines and a grenade. Weapons and ammunition seized by members of the Islamic Jihad after a clash in the West Bank, April 2, 2022. (Israeli Police) A will was found in the vehicle of the suspects for terrorism, in which it was written that the attacks against Israel must continue. The handwritten note was signed in the name of Islamic Jihad. A search of the perpetrators’ vehicle turned up a will in which their friends were encouraged to continue their attacks on Israel. In addition, a video was released in the last few hours in which one of the perpetrators reads the will. pic.twitter.com/hML4fBXtWk – Amir Bohbot Amir Bohbot (@amirbohbot) April 2, 2022 The arrest operation was a joint effort involving Yamam, Shin Bet and IDF, police said. Hours later, the Palestinian terrorist organization Islamic Jihad said the three dead were members of its military wing. The group vowed revenge for the deaths and said it would continue its attacks on Israel. It is destined for my people to bleed to live the nation ♥ ️ #Jenin ?????????? Congratulations ???? pic.twitter.com/JA9aiKxEa1 Bilal Bilal (@ bilal2468) April 2, 2022 The incident came amid rising tensions in Israel and the West Bank, including the Jenin region. A series of three deadly terrorist attacks have killed 11 people in Israel in a week, including a shooting that killed five people on Tuesday, putting Israeli security forces on high alert. The escalation came as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began – often a time of intense tension in Israel and the West Bank. One of the three attacks was carried out by a Palestinian from the Jenin region. the other two by Israeli citizens claiming to be affiliated with the Islamic State. On Thursday, at least two Palestinian gunmen were killed in a clash with Israeli troops as commandos entered Jenin in a rare day raid as part of a major counterterrorism operation following recent attacks. At least 14 other Palestinians were injured in the incident and dozens were arrested in the operation. Palestinian militants attend the funeral of two Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces during clashes during their funeral in Jenin, West Bank, on March 31, 2022. (Nasser Ishtayeh / Flash90) The IDF said the arrest operation – dubbed “Breakwater” – targeted people suspected of plotting future attacks, as well as those believed to be linked to Tuesday’s deadly Bnei Brak attack. In addition, a Palestinian from Hebron was arrested for alleged links to the Islamic State. In response, the Gaza-based Hamas terrorist group has threatened to escalate violence against Israel. Israel has stepped up security measures in response to the attacks and has deployed additional forces in the West Bank, Gaza border and major cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Friday’s reports said Israeli security officials had specific warnings of impending terrorist attacks and prevented a number of other planned attacks in recent days. The state broadcaster Kan reported on Friday that Defense Minister Beni Ganj and Israeli Army Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi had ordered the army to prepare for a month-long escalation. Additional troops are expected to remain on the ground, and Kohavi has instructed the IDF to step up intelligence gathering in Syria, Sinai and the Palestinians in Lebanon. Kohavi vowed that the military would “do everything in its power to stop” the terrorist attacks, while Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel would “overcome them again this time”. Also Friday, Palestinian Authority health officials said a 29-year-old Palestinian was killed by live Israeli fire during clashes with soldiers in the West Bank city of Hebron. The IDF confirmed that troops had opened fire and beaten a man in Hebron, saying he had “dropped a bomb on the troops, endangering their lives”. Israeli officials have tried to contain tensions ahead of Ramadan amid fears the violence could turn into the same upheaval that rocked Israel in May 2021, when Hamas began firing rockets at Israel, sparking an 11-day war. with Gaza and days of unrest between Arabs and Jews inside Israel. Do you appreciate the Times of Israel? If so, we have a request. Every day, our journalists aim to keep you informed of the most important developments that deserve your attention. Millions of people rely on ToI for fast, fair and free coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. We are interested in Israel – and we know you care. So today we have a question: show your appreciation for our work by joining the Times of Israel Community, an exclusive group of readers like you who appreciate and support our work financially. Yes, I will give Yes, I will give Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing it You are a devoted reader We’re really glad you read the X Times of Israel articles last month. 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