The Israel Defense Forces (idf) killed a terrorist cell in a rare drone attack in the West Bank on Wednesday.

Three terrorists were conducting an attack in Jalamah when the idf was notified of their location, according to a joint statement by the idf and the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet. This terrorist cell has been carrying out shootings across Judea and Samaria. idf spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that the group appeared to be a mix of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (pij) terrorists.

Use of force escalates: This was the first drone strike carried out in the region by the Israeli military since 2006. It wasn’t until last September that the idf permitted the use of armed drones against Palestinian terrorists in the West Bank.

The June 21 strike occurred just days after Israel used helicopters to evacuate idf soldiers from the West Bank after Palestinian gunmen opened fire and launched explosives. This was the first time the idf has used aircraft in the West Bank since the early 2000s.

Hagari stated that the use of drones and helicopters is not indicative of a change in policy; rather, the idf makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. However, the military using airpower twice in one week, after not doing so for roughly 20 years, suggests this jump in force will become more common.

The Palestinian Authority, which usually arrests criminals in the disputed West Bank, has weakened to the point of Israeli forces having to step in. The escalation in force reveals just how violent and widespread terrorism has become in the West Bank.

Iranian-backed terrorists: Why is the presence of these Palestinian terrorist groups growing and who is behind them? Both Hamas and pij get their weapons from Iran, which also provides financial aid and training.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in 2000, “We regard Palestine as an organ of our body, and the support of the Palestinian nation is pride for the Iranian people.”

The West Bank border is a strategic location in Israel’s conflict with Iran. As part of Iran’s goal to blot out the name of Israel, it prioritizes arming Palestinian groups. The growing presence of these Islamist extremists in the West Bank shows that Iran is moving into the area.

The Trumpet has been watching this trend for years. In 2008, following Iran’s seizure of Lebanon, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry and managing editor Joel Hilliker wrote:

Now we must ask the question: What piece of territory will Iran conquer next? It will undoubtedly go after the West Bank. …

Iran has taken over Gaza and Lebanon, and soon it will get control of the West Bank. Then it will turn its attention toward its ultimate prize—the capture of Jerusalem!

We are watching this violent takeover. It all revolves around Iran’s desire to conquer Jerusalem. As Iran gains a stronger foothold in the West Bank, it is one step closer to achieving its ultimate goal.

Learn more: Please read “Iran Conquered Lebanon … Now What?” to understand what Bible prophecy reveals about the future of Jerusalem. For a broader biblical perspective, read The King of the South, by Gerald Flurry.