Israel’s military ramped up operations across the occupied West Bank on Saturday, examining areas around settlements after a chaotic Friday evening marked by two security incidents. This intensified action comes as the Israeli forces persist in one of their most extensive operations in the flashpoint city of Jenin in recent months.
Why It Matters
In Jenin, the air was filled with the hum of drones and helicopters, while intermittent gunfire echoed through the city. The Israeli military claims the operation is aimed at thwarting attacks from Iranian-backed militant groups. However, this has not come without a cost, at least 19 Palestinians, both fighters and civilians, have been killed since the operation began on Wednesday morning.
The situation in the West Bank has cast a harsh light on the dire conditions faced by Palestinian civilians and the complex security dilemmas confronting Israeli forces. As the military campaign drags on, there’s no indication of a break in the violence, even in Gaza, where Israeli troops have been locked in ongoing battles with Hamas fighters for months.
Late Friday, Israeli forces reported two separate incidents near Gush Etzion, a large cluster of settlements south of Jerusalem. In the first incident, a car exploded at a petrol station, what the army described as an attempted car bombing. The driver, after getting out and allegedly trying to attack soldiers, was shot dead. In the second, a man was killed after reportedly attempting a car-ramming attack near the Karmei Tzur settlement. Following a chase, the car crashed, and an explosive device inside detonated.
These incidents, confirmed by Palestinian health authorities, have heightened Israeli fears of attacks on its settlements. In response, Israeli troops combed the area and conducted raids in Hebron, the hometown of the two men involved in the incidents.
What They Are saying
Adding to the tension, Hamas hailed the attacks as a “double heroic operation,” stating it sends a clear message that “resistance will remain as long as the brutal occupation continues.” Despite the group’s praise, it did not claim direct responsibility for the attacks.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States appear to be at a standstill. This deadlock coincides with a significant escalation of tensions involving Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.
On the ground, fierce clashes continue between Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters in Jenin, a city long known for its strong militant presence. The densely packed refugee camp adjoining Jenin has also seen intense fighting, with reports of a child being hospitalized after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.
As armoured bulldozers tear up roads and damage infrastructure in search of roadside bombs, the impact on civilian life is devastating. This week’s military operations in Jenin, Tulkarm, and the Jordan Valley are among the largest in recent memory, involving hundreds of troops backed by drones, helicopters, and armoured vehicles.
Bottom Line
Israel’s military chief, General Herzi Halevi, has vowed to escalate both defensive and offensive measures in response to these ongoing threats, signaling that the violence is far from over. As the cycle of retaliation continues, the region remains on the brink of further chaos.
