One of the terrorists released for the four hostages was serving three life sentences for murdering Jews and helped mastermind the breakout from Israel's Gilboa prison.
As Israel rejoices in the return of four of its hostages today (Saturday), Mohammad al-Arda, a terrorist responsible for the murder of Jews and for a prisoner escape from Gilboa prison was among those released in exchange.
Al-Arda, who had been sentenced to three life sentences, was released into Israel and celebrated by residents of the Arab town of Arraba in the north, which shouted "Katibe" (reference to the Hamas unit known as the Jenin Brigade/Battalion).
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Hamas' Jenin Battalion has been the focus of both PA and IDF efforts in the last two months. The terrorist unit launched a series of battles with Palestinian Authority security forces, leading to casualties, until the Jenin Battalion unilaterally declared a truce "from a position of strength."
The IDF has since launched an operation entitled "Iron Wall," aimed at entirely extirpating the terrorist presence in Jenin and its environs.
In response to a parliamentary question from MK Avichai Boaron, Defense Minister Katz said that the current operation in Jenin is meant to be a "model" for anti-terrorism operations throughout Judea and Samaria.
Katz said that the IDF has learned its lesson from fighting in Gaza and is no longer aiming at raiding tactics which "mow the grass" of growing terrorist power but which do not fully uproot terrorist organization and infrastructure in a given area.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel is fighting the Iranian axis wherever it reveals itself - in Jenin, Gaza, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or elsewhere - and that the Iron Wall operation is a part of this effort.
Israel was forced to release 200 Palestinian terrorists in exchange for the four hostages released today, according to a key agreed upon beforehand of 50 prisoners per soldier. The key dictates 30 Palestinian terrorists released for every civilian hostage being freed.
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