Israeli forces launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in Jenin on January 21, deploying tanks and air support, killing at least four Palestinians, following the withdrawal of Palestinian Authority security forces from the area.

"This is another step toward achieving the goal we have set—strengthening security in Judea and Samaria," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

The operation follows an unusual month-long Palestinian Authority (PA) intervention in the Jenin refugee camp against local militant groups. The PA's operation was triggered by attacks on their security forces, including assaults on vehicles and a security station.

The Ramallah-based ministry of health said in a statement that at least two Palestinians were killed in Jenin refugee camp, and 25 others were injured.

Jenin governor Kamal Abu al-Rub told AFP, "What is happening is an invasion of the camp," he added, "It came quickly, Apache planes in the sky and Israeli military vehicles everywhere."

An AFP journalist said Palestinian security forces, which have been conducting an operation against Palestinian factions since early December in the area, left some of their positions around the camp before the arrival of the Israeli forces.

Despite the PA's efforts, which the IDF acknowledged as unprecedented, a January 6 attack near Kedumim by Islamic Jihad-linked militants from Jenin prompted Israel to implement additional security measures.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation aims to deter Hamas and other groups from escalating tensions in the West Bank during current ceasefires with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

"We are systematically and resolutely acting against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its reach—in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu said.