Israeli Defense Forces units entered Jenin on February 11, 2026, deploying newly fielded Eitan Armored Personnel Carriers as part of ongoing security operations in the northern West Bank. Video footage circulating online shows a convoy of the heavy eight-wheeled armored vehicles moving through urban streets, passing civilian cars and storefronts marked with Arabic signage.

The Eitan APC represents one of the most advanced armored transport platforms in the IDF inventory. Designed to replace older tracked M113 carriers, the Eitan offers enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small-arms fire, and anti-tank threats. Its wheeled configuration allows for improved maneuverability in dense urban environments while maintaining high levels of ballistic and blast resistance.

The deployment in Jenin aligns with Israel’s broader “Iron Wall” campaign, an extended counterterrorism effort targeting Hamas-linked and other militant infrastructure in the northern West Bank. Jenin has long been identified by Israeli security officials as a hub for armed groups responsible for shooting attacks, explosives production, and coordination with Gaza-based factions.

Military sources indicate that the introduction of Eitan APCs into the operational theater reflects both tactical adaptation and force protection priorities. Urban operations in Jenin have involved persistent threats from roadside bombs and ambush-style attacks. The enhanced armor and modern defensive systems integrated into the Eitan platform are intended to mitigate risks to Israeli personnel during arrests, raids, and infrastructure dismantling operations.

The current phase of operations follows weeks of heightened activity in the area. Reports have described sustained IDF presence and repeated incursions aimed at dismantling weapons laboratories, arresting wanted suspects, and disrupting command networks. The visible use of advanced armored assets signals a continued emphasis on operational intensity and deterrence.

As tensions remain elevated in multiple sectors, including Gaza and the northern front, Israel’s security establishment appears focused on preventing the expansion of organized militant capabilities in the West Bank. The deployment of Eitan APCs into Jenin underscores the IDF’s readiness to utilize upgraded platforms in complex urban counterterrorism environments.

While Palestinian sources describe the entry as heavy and highly visible, Israeli officials frame the operation as a necessary measure to neutralize ongoing threats and protect Israeli civilians from attacks originating in the region. The situation remains fluid, with security forces maintaining operational presence as part of their broader campaign objectives.