Surprising? IDF Reveals Majority of Terrorists Freed in 2023 Prisoner Swap Returned to Terror

According to data from Israel’s defense echelon, around 82% of the released individuals have resumed terror activities. At least two of these terrorists were killed in an IDF operation in Jenin, and dozens more have been arrested.

The deal, which saw the release of prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement, has sparked concern within the Israeli military, especially with the large number of released terrorists reportedly returning to violent actions. In the latest operation, the IDF has conducted extensive counterterrorism actions, including scanning 800 structures and destroying 80 explosives factories.

On Saturday night, the Bislach Brigade launched a ground operation in the village of Tammun in eastern Samaria, as part of the ongoing “Wall of Iron” counterterrorism operation. This follows a series of airstrikes that took place earlier in the week, where Israeli forces eliminated ten terrorists. The military has also located significant weaponry during these operations, including an M-16 assault rifle and several ammunition magazines.

In a targeted strike on Saturday, Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft, under the guidance of the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), hit three terrorist cells in Jenin and Qabatiya within a matter of hours. In Qabatiya, the strike eliminated a terrorist cell on its way to carry out an imminent attack. The IAF also identified secondary explosions from explosives inside a vehicle used by the terrorists.

Among those eliminated in the strikes were Saleh Zakarneh and Abed al-Hadi Kamil, both previously detained for planning terrorist activities and released during the November 2023 ceasefire deal. This operation highlights the ongoing challenge posed by the individuals freed in the prisoner swap, many of whom have returned to their terror-driven activities.