Iran-backed terrorist groups, including Islamic Jihad, al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, and Hamas, have proliferated in number and strengthened their presence in the West Bank in recent years. The groups have established battalions (Katibat) in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm and beyond. Iranian arms and funding have primarily fueled this violent escalation.
FDD’s Long War Journal has identified 26 West Bank branches belonging to established terrorist organizations, and two independent armed groups.
Methodology
This visual draws on open-source information, including data released by government agencies, English and Arabic-language news reports, and social media accounts operated by terrorist groups. The battalions or branches of established terrorist groups included in this visual have claimed responsibility for an attack, provided proof corroborating an assault, and/or created a logo that conveys an allegiance to an established armed organization operating in the West Bank.
This visual relies on credible reports and visual evidence of terrorist activity against Israeli targets over the past twelve months. In most cases, there are multiple pieces of evidence published by the groups listed in the visual. However, only one example per organization is noted.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine/Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine/National Resistance Brigades do not have branches in the West Bank like their counterparts, but the groups are carrying out attacks there. Two Gaza-based terrorist organizations — the Popular Resistance Committees/Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades and the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement/Mujahideen Brigades — have also been operating in the territory.
Terrorist groups colored orange are affiliated with Islamic Jihad.
Terrorist groups colored yellow are affiliated with al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades.
Terrorist groups colored brown are affiliated with Hamas.
Terrorist groups colored grey are other armed organizations that operate independently from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades.
Although the U.S. sanctions imposed on The Lions’ Den for its terrorist activity in the West Bank, the group has been excluded from this visual because it has been largely defunct since summer 2023.
The number of branches or battalions belonging to each organization does not necessarily equate to overall strength. Some branches are better armed and organized than others. Moreover, the security dynamic in the West Bank is fluid. FDD’s Long War Journal will continue to update this visual with the most recent open source data available.