In a significant escalation, Israel has initiated a large-scale military operation in the northern West Bank, specifically targeting the cities of Jenin and Tulkarem. The operation, launched early Wednesday, has already resulted in at least nine Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities.
The Scope of the Operation
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), confirmed the operation as a major counter-terrorism effort. The operation has been described as a comprehensive assault, involving a wide range of military assets. Drones, bulldozers, and four battalions of the Israel Border Police are all part of this extensive campaign. An elite unit of undercover troops is also involved, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the mission.
Targeting Terror Infrastructures
According to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the operation aims to dismantle “Islamic-Iranian terror infrastructures” in the West Bank. Katz accused Iran of playing a significant role in the region by funding and arming terrorist groups and smuggling advanced weapons into the area. He compared the situation in the West Bank to that of Gaza, calling for similar military measures, including possible evacuations of Palestinian residents.
On the Ground: Jenin and Tulkarem
Video footage obtained by CNN shows bulldozers tearing up streets in Tulkarem and moving in convoy through Jenin, painting a stark picture of the intensity of the operation. The IDF also released footage of what they described as a strike on a militant operations room in Nur Shams, a refugee camp near Tulkarem.
Rising Casualties and Health Concerns
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that the majority of the fatalities occurred in Jenin, with two individuals killed by direct military fire and three others in a drone strike on a vehicle. The situation on the ground is dire, with reports of critically injured individuals and concerns about blocked access to hospitals. The Palestinian Ministry of Health expressed alarm over the Israeli military blocking roads leading to the government hospital in Jenin, warning that this could endanger the lives of patients and medical staff.
Reactions from Palestinian Groups
The Islamic Jihad militant group has condemned the Israeli operation, labeling it as “comprehensive aggression” and an “undeclared war.” The group’s military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades, claimed to have shot down an Israeli drone and stated that their fighters are actively targeting Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, Hamas has called for a “general mobilization” against Israeli forces and settlers, accusing Israel of deliberately destroying infrastructure using overwhelming military force, including aerial bombardments from drones and warplanes.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, following the Six-Day War, and has since expanded Jewish settlements in the area, despite international law considering these settlements illegal. The current conflict in Gaza, which escalated after the October 7 attacks, has increasingly spilled over into the West Bank, resulting in military raids, settler attacks, and clashes that have claimed the lives of hundreds of Palestinians.
This latest operation underscores the ongoing tension and the potential for further escalation in the region, as both sides brace for what could be a prolonged conflict.