Israel Expands West Bank Operations, Tanks Enter Jenin
Israel continues its weeks-long military operations across cities, towns, and refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian sources.
Expanded Military Push in Jenin
On Sunday, the Israeli army broadened its operations in Jenin, extending to the towns of Qabatiya, Yamoun, and Silat al-Harithiya. The military conducted widespread bulldozing, deploying tanks and additional reinforcements into the city. Meanwhile, in Tulkarm, Israel’s operation stretched into its 28th consecutive day with further troop deployments.
In Nablus, Israeli forces stormed the western area via the Deir Sharaf checkpoint, vandalizing shops and raiding surrounding villages. In Ramallah, the army targeted multiple towns and villages, destroying residents’ vehicles. In Jerusalem, settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy protection, while a checkpoint at Issawiya’s western entrance restricted Palestinian movement.
Elsewhere, Qalqilya saw a home raid and shop destruction during an incursion into Imatin, while Bethlehem faced severe traffic due to the Container checkpoint closure. In Hebron, Israeli forces raided central Arroub camp, firing live rounds and tear gas, and searched homes in Fawar camp. Finally, troops entered Nuba’ima al-Fawqa village near Jericho.
Tanks and Displacement
For the first time in nearly 23 years, Israel sent tanks into the West Bank on Sunday, with the army ordered to prepare for a “long stay.” Tens of thousands of Palestinians have already fled the region over the past month as the military targets crowded refugee camps in cities like Jenin and Tulkarm. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed 40,000 Palestinians were removed from camps now deemed “empty.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an “intensive” operation following bus bombings near Tel Aviv on Thursday. The army has detained 26 militants, seized three rifles, and demolished homes and infrastructure, disrupting water and electricity supplies. Tanks were spotted moving from Israel toward Jenin on Sunday.
Palestinian and International Reactions
Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned Israel’s tank deployment, warning, “This dangerous Israeli escalation won’t lead to stability or calm.” With ceasefire talks pausing Gaza’s fighting, Israel’s focus has shifted to the West Bank, where operations have intensified with heavy tanks and armored carriers.
Defense Minister Katz stated, “For the first time in decades, we’ve sent tanks into Judea and Samaria [Israel’s term for the West Bank]. This means one thing: we’re fighting terrorism by all means, everywhere.” Since the Gaza war began, hundreds of Palestinians and dozens of Israelis have died in the West Bank, amid growing Israeli calls to annex the region.
A Shifting Conflict
Palestinians envision the West Bank, occupied since 1967, as the heart of a future state alongside Gaza. Yet, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance unclear on annexation, fears of a second “Nakba”—recalling the 1948 displacement—loom large. Israel’s tightened grip, including forcing UNRWA to close its East Jerusalem headquarters, heightens these concerns.
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