Alleged Jenin-area rocket network
The Shin Bet and Israel Police said six Palestinians from the Jenin area in northern Judea and Samaria were arrested on suspicion of attempting to build rockets to launch at Israel. Investigators said the terrorist network manufactured a rocket body and explosive devices and conducted at least three launch tests. Indictments were expected in the coming days.
Their joint statement said an outside source in contact with the main suspect supplied information through a messaging app about materials needed for explosives. Forces seized an assault rifle, an RPG and written instructions for manufacturing explosives, rockets and explosive devices intended for use against Israel and security forces.
Palestinian terrorist groups have made several attempts in recent years to develop and launch crude rockets from Judea and Samaria at Israeli communities and at Israel, with little to no success.
IDF plans for AI and unmanned systems
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said readiness for simultaneous operations across multiple arenas required advanced AI and robotics. At an AI forum in Beer Sheva, he urged commanders to fully use technology to accomplish their missions.
He outlined a new AI and Unmanned Systems Branch, Artificial Intelligence Brigade and Spectrum Brigade within the C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate to strengthen operational freedom and capabilities. Under the plan, manned units would coordinate with unmanned systems for battlefield superiority, with AI central to intelligence, decisions and operations.
The “Hoshen” multi-year force buildup plan was advancing wider integration. Reviews covered offensive and defensive systems, information analysis and workflows.
Givat Ora Yisrael evacuation
The IDF reported that 18 Israelis were arrested on November 2 on suspicion of assaulting and obstructing security personnel evacuating the illegal Givat Ora Yisrael outpost near Salfit. Border Police and Civil Administration personnel arrived to demolish structures at the previously evacuated outpost in a closed military zone.
The IDF said rioters burned tires, blocked roads and used physical and verbal violence despite efforts to avoid confrontation. Forces cleared roadblocks that disrupted residents and caused widespread congestion.
Vehicles were seized. The military reported incendiary materials, weapons used for assault and pepper spray in one vehicle. Suspects were transferred to Judea and Samaria District Police for investigation.
Emanuel Fabian reported in The Times of Israel that more than 200 illegal Israeli outposts were established in Judea and Samaria during the outgoing government’s four-year term. According to his report, many were reportedly set up in coordination with municipalities, the IDF and other state agencies. A small percentage lacked that coordination and were often targeted for enforcement by the Civil Administration.
The Civil Administration is a quasi-military Defense Ministry agency controlled by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who spearheaded town, village and outpost expansion.
Weapons-return campaign
The IDF tallied 10,000 items returned on the campaign’s first day. The Times of Israel described the first-day total as more than 10,000 firearms, ammunition items and pieces of military equipment.
November 3 reporting said approximately 65 collection stations opened at bases nationwide on Sunday for returns without questioning.
The military said one returned Uzi had been phased out of IDF service more than 30 years earlier. The person who returned it was not questioned, and their details were not recorded.
