IDF: Man killed in drone strike was top West Bank terror leader, planning imminent attack

The Israel Defense Forces confirms it carried out a drone strike near the Balata camp, saying the target was a top terror leader in the West Bank who was planning an imminent attack.

The IDF identifies him as Abdallah Abu Shalal and says he was killed in a combined operation carried out by the military and the Shin Bet security service.

The military said Abu Shalal was responsible for a string of recent attacks, including a shooting attack in Jerusalem’s Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood in which two Israelis were injured, and planting a bomb that wounded a soldier.

After the strike on the terror cell led by Abu Shalal, weapons were found in the car. The other members were not immediately identified.

The army said Abu Shalal had received financing and instructions from Iran and terror groups in Gaza and overseas.

Palestinian sources said three people were killed in the strike on his car.

The IDF publishes video of the drone strike.

בפעילות משותפת של צה"ל ושב״כ חוסלה מהאוויר חוליית מחבלים, בראשה עמד עבדאללה אבו שלאל>> pic.twitter.com/2S0bNDOihy

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 17, 2024