22 months in prison: The military court today (Tuesday) sentenced the senior Islamic Jihad leader Bassem al-Saadi, who was arrested in Jenin last July, to 22 months in prison. Al-Saadi was convicted of incitement, impersonation and performing service for the Islamic Jihad. The arrest of al-Saadi subsequently led to several days of tensions that included blocking roads in the south and even to the opening of the “Dawn” operation in Gaza.
Al-Saadi tried to escape from the forces during his arrest after identifying himself as another person, but finally the IDF identified him and arrested him. He is known among Islamic Jihad operatives and has great influence in the organization and was involved in many terrorist acts.
Bassem al-Saadi, 22 months in prison Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Operation Dawn which erupted following the arrest of al-Saadi
In Operation Dawn, which began after his arrest, the IDF attacked throughout the Gaza Strip and roads adjacent to the Strip were blocked for fear that Israeli vehicles would be damaged, a move that received much criticism in the political system. In addition, during the operation, the IDF destroyed an attack tunnel in the Gaza Strip as well as the commander of the southern sector, Maled Mansour.