Israel destroys Lion’s Den explosive factory in Nablus
A week before the Nov. 1 elections, Israel Defense Forces raided an explosive factory of the Palestinian Lion’s Den terrorist group and killed one of its founders.
![Israeli security forces deploy in the Deir Sharaf area, near the Israeli settlement of Shavei Shomron, west of Nablus, following a reported attack, West Bank, Oct. 11, 2022.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2022-10/GettyImages-1243887203.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=NzrWx7dG)
A week before crucial Israeli elections, caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, military chief Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar are facing an ever-intensifying dilemma. At issue is whether to beef up military and intelligence activity in the Palestinian city of Nablus in an effort to rein in a surging wave of anti-Israel violence and crack down on militant groupings, or wait until after the Nov. 1 voting.
However, circumstances have been overtaking the dilemma in recent days and leading to stark escalation. On the night of Oct. 24-25, Israeli troops and Shin Bet agents carried out what the military billed as “ground action” in Nablus.