The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) stands in full support of Israel’s recent counter-terrorist operation, Operation Shield and Arrow, initiated by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). The operation, which began on May 9, aims to target and eliminate senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorists responsible for launching over 100 rockets into Israel last month.
The primary objective of Operation Shield and Arrow is to prevent future PIJ terror attacks, disrupt their planning and coordination, and undermine their efforts to spread into Judea and Samaria. The targeted terrorists, including Khalil Bahitini, Tarek Az Aldin, and Jahed Ahnam, held significant positions within the PIJ and posed a direct threat to the safety and security of innocent civilians.
The NJA acknowledges that the IDF has made substantial efforts to minimise civilian harm and adhere to strict rules of engagement. The NJA is saddened by the tragic news of Gazan civilian casualties resulting from the Operation and trusts that the IDF will investigate these and do all it can avoid such casualties moving forward, notwithstanding the tactics of PIJ and Hamas vis a vis its propensity to use its civilians as human shields.
The recent rocket attacks by PIJ against Israeli civilians during the holy festival of Pesach (Passover) and subsequent attacks resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives. These unprovoked attacks highlight the urgent need to address the terrorist activities of PIJ and ensure the safety and security of Israeli citizens.
PIJ, a radical extremist organisation driven by a jihadist ideology, seeks the destruction of Israel and operates in Gaza with complete dependence on Iran. Its history of indiscriminate rocket attacks, suicide bombings, and anti-Israel incitement necessitates decisive action to protect innocent lives and prevent further acts of terror.
The NJA calls upon the UK government to condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and support Israel’s right to defend itself against such acts of aggression. The NJA stands united with Israel in its efforts to safeguard its citizens from terrorist threats.
For further inquiries, please contact Heath Sloane – NJA Press and Marketing Manager (heath@nja.org.uk)
