In the ensuing clashes, protesters burned tires, blocked roads and threw stones at Palestinian security officers, who responded with tear-gas and stun grenades.
It is clear that the Iranian zeal for exporting its influence and impact on the region is being cleverly and patiently executed on multiple levels and in multiple arenas.
The Islamic Jihad terroirist group said Palestinian security forces arrested five of its members in Jenin overnight.
Palestinians are claiming triumph as Israeli forces pull out of Jenin, claiming they thwarted the Israeli military's goals.
The combination of the economic turmoil in Jenin, life under the military operations, leadership that incites violence, and the inaction of the PA have emboldened extremism.
Approximately 25% of the population in the Jenin area is affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad and some 20% is affiliated with Hamas, according to the IDF Spokesperson.
The terminal, the only crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has been under Hamas' control since its violent takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Hamas, with all its bluster, knew that if it were to fire rockets at Jerusalem because of the flag march, Israel would hit back hard.
While credit is due for the IDF's precision in the recent operation, credit is missing in the Israeli government's economic policy.
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.
JPOST Digital Library
