Israeli security forces launched an operation in the West Bank town of Jenin and reportedly captured two Palestinian gunmen and shot another believed to be responsible for the murder of Rabbi Raziel Shevah last week.

A joint task force from the police Counter-Terrorism Unit, the IDF and the GSS entered Jenin last night. Palestinian sources reported that Ahmed Jarar, a 22-year-old man from Jenin, was killed. His father, Nasser, a senior Hamas operative in the military wing of Hamas, died in a firefight with security forces during the Second Intifada after he planned to blow up a high-rise building in Israel.

According to Palestinian sources, two other people who may have helped Jarrar during, prior to, or after the attack have been killed.

Two Israeli security personnel sustained injuries in the incident with one described as being in serious condition.

Following the operation, hundreds of Palestinians clashed with security forces in the area. Israeli forces were still in Jenin early Thursday morning, according to Palestinian reports.

Commenting on the operation, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said: “Last night security forces launched a complex and successful operation to capture the murderers of Rabbi Raziel Shevach. I congratulate the fighters for their courage and wish the wounded a recovery. The terrorists cannot hide; we will capture terrorists everywhere.”

Zionist Union chairman Avi Gabbay praised the “determined security forces that prove time and again that they reach every terrorist”.

Israeli soldiers conducted a search for the killers of Rabbi Shevah, a father of six, who was shot in his car in a drive-by attack close to the Havat Gilad outpost in the West Bank on 9 January.