Israel has sent tanks into the West Bank for the first time since 2002, with the military preparing for “an extended stay” in the territory’s refugee camps in an effort to stamp out terrorism. Several tanks were seen moving into Jenin as a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel remains fragile. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ordered the military to intensify their efforts to thwart terrorism in the West Bank, with troops expected to remain for at least a year.
Katz stated that Palestinians who have fled the area will not be allowed to return, as Israel aims to prevent terrorism from re-emerging in the territory. He indicated that about 40,000 Palestinians have fled from the West Bank urban areas, leaving them empty of residents as confirmed by the United Nations. Netanyahu assured that Israeli forces will remain as long as necessary to ensure security. The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the Israeli actions as a dangerous escalation of the situation in the West Bank.
The deployment of tanks in the West Bank marks the first time since 2002 when Israel fought against Palestinian violence in the territory. This recent move comes as a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel remains in place, with Hamas releasing six hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement, reached a month ago, has seen progress although 63 hostages, including the remains of a soldier captured in 2014, are still in captivity. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas assault in southern Israel, resulted in over 1,100 deaths and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals.
The Israeli government’s decision to increase military presence in the West Bank has been met with criticism from the Palestinian foreign ministry, who view it as a dangerous escalation. Israeli Defense Minister Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu have instructed the military to intensify efforts to combat terrorism in the territory, with tanks being deployed for the first time since 2002. The fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel remains in place, with recent exchanges involving the release of prisoners and hostages. The conflict in the region, which originated from a Hamas assault in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and ongoing tensions between the two opposing sides.
As military activity intensifies in the West Bank, Israel has deployed tanks for the first time since 2002 in an effort to combat terrorism and prevent its re-emergence in the territory. Israeli Defense Minister Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu have ordered an extended stay of troops in specific areas where Palestinians have fled, leaving the areas devoid of residents. Despite criticism from the Palestinian side, Israel remains committed to ensuring security and stability in the region. The fragile ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel continues, with recent progress seen through exchanges of prisoners and hostages. The conflict that began in 2023 has resulted in substantial casualties and ongoing tensions between both parties.
