Nablus (Shechem)
Nablus, known in Hebrew as Shechem, is a major commercial and cultural hub in central Samaria. While it holds deep biblical significance as the site of Joseph's Tomb, it has also emerged as a primary center for terror infrastructure, housing sophisticated cells that orchestrate attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces.
Nablus (Shechem) is one of the oldest and most strategically significant cities in Judea and Samaria. Located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, the city is a focal point of both Jewish heritage and contemporary security challenges. For the Jewish world, Shechem is synonymous with the biblical narrative, most notably as the location of Joseph's Tomb (Kever Yosef). This site remains a frequent destination for Jewish worshippers, whose visits are coordinated and secured by the IDF to prevent friction and ensure safety in a frequently hostile environment.
In the modern security context, Nablus has become a stronghold for various terror factions, including local independent groups and established organizations like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The city's dense urban terrain, particularly in the Balata refugee camp and the Old City (Kasbah), provides cover for the manufacturing of explosives and the stockpiling of illegal weaponry. Recent intelligence reveals a shift toward more sophisticated methods, including the attempted procurement of drone components from abroad to facilitate high-profile assassinations and distraction attacks.
The IDF and Shin Bet maintain a high operational tempo in the Nablus sector to dismantle these emerging threats. Counter-terrorism raids are frequent, focusing on neutralizing 'ticking bomb' cells and seizing arsenals that include M-16 rifles and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Despite the security volatility, the city remains a vital economic engine for the Palestinian Authority-controlled areas of Samaria. For Israel, the challenge of Nablus lies in balancing the necessity of decisive security interventions with the preservation of religious access to holy sites and the management of a complex civilian landscape.