Despite a previous successful raid on Balata, the General Staff still estimated hundreds of armed men would be entrenched in the city, causing the IDF heavy casualties.

[4] Israeli armored and infantry forces quickly occupied most of the city, with clashes taking place around refugee camps.

Israeli Air Force attack helicopters fired rockets at Palestinian defenses in Nablus' main square and neighboring streets, but to minimal effect.

[4] Nasser Badawi, an Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades commander, said "We are waiting for the Israelis to get out of their armored vehicles and fight us on the ground".

[2] The Paratroopers advanced by sending several small forces at the same time to take over houses in the Casbah and confuse the Palestinian fighters.

Mofaz argued that it was better not to leave armed men in Nablus (per Oslo Accords), who would resume their attacks on the IDF after the withdrawal.

High ranked wanted persons, such as Nasser Awais of Fatah and Husam Badran of Hamas fled east to Tubas.