Weekly demonstrations held at regular sites in the West Bank such as Bil'in and Ni'lin often escalate into violent riots, where rioters hurl rocks and firebombs at IDF and Border Police forces. Photo: wiki commons.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted multiple raids last night throughout the Judea and Samaria regions, rounding up a total of 55 terror operatives in 22 different locales.

“In light of recent terrorist and violent activity in Judea and Samaria and as part of the security forces’ attempt to restore calm to the area the decision was made to carry out the arrests,” said an IDF spokesperson in an email to reporters.

Throughout Israel’s “Pillar of Defense” operation during the past 8 days, aimed at restoring calm to Israel’s South, Arabs throughout these areas have rioted and protested, throwing stones and blocking roads.

The raids took place hours after a fragile ceasefire with Hamas took hold.

“Among those arrested were a number of senior level operatives,” adds the IDF.

The IDF also credited the Israeli intelligence services with which it co-operates closely, saying, “This action was made possible due to the extensive intelligence and operational capabilities in Judea and Samaria.”

According to local accounts cited by Maan News Agency, “the arrests included mid-level figures from various Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.”

The vicinities where the arrests were made include Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem and others.

“The IDF will continue to operate to maintain order in the area and to prevent the infiltration of terrorists into Israeli communities,” says the communique.