The ongoing Gaza war has significantly altered the security landscape in Judea and Samaria, with Tulkarem emerging as a new focal point of terrorist activity. Once considered less volatile than cities like Jenin and Nablus, Tulkarem has transformed into a hub of violence, posing a direct threat to Israel’s Sharon region and central areas. A recent position paper from the Israel's Defense and Security Forum paints a stark picture: Tulkarem is a ticking time bomb, and immediate action is required to neutralize this growing menace.

Historically, Tulkarem was not one of the most volatile areas in Judea and Samaria, but since the onset of the Gaza war, it has become a focal point of terror activity. Videos circulating on social media platforms like Telegram frequently show masked gunmen firing toward Israeli communities in the Hefer Valley, underscoring the rising hostility. In response, the IDF have intensified their counter-terror operations.

One significant effort was Operation Summer Camps in August 2024, which targeted terror cells in northern Judea and Samaria, including Tulkarem and the nearby Nur a-Shams refugee camp. The operation led to the seizure of large quantities of weapons and the elimination of senior operatives, yet despite these efforts, the threat continues to…