Islamic jihad leader killed by Israeli troops

Israeli troops killed the West Bank leader of the Islamic Jihad military wing in a raid this morning, the group said.

Walid Obeidi was wanted by Israel for years, Islamic Jihad said.

Israeli troops entered the village of Qabatiya south of Jenin under cover of darkness and Obeidi was killed and two of his bodyguards wounded, the group said.

The Israeli army did not immediately confirm that troops were operating in the area.

Israeli troops conduct arrest raids almost nightly in West Bank communities and often Palestinian militants are killed.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has demanded that Israel stop the West Bank operations since the sides renewed peace talks last month, arguing that they damage his image among Palestinians.

But Israel has refused, saying its forces must hunt down terrorists planning attacks.

Islamic Jihad has carried out several suicide attacks in Israel in recent years, killing dozens.