Israel Launches Broad Military Operation in Northern West Bank

Israel announced on Wednesday the start of a broad military operation in the occupied northern West Bank. A joint statement by the Israeli Army (IDF), the Shin Bet (Shabak), and the Border Police said they launched operations overnight Wednesday as part of a large-scale "counter-terrorism" effort in the northern West Bank.

1. Operation Details and Targeted Areas

• Objective: To "combat terrorism" and work proactively to "thwart its entrenchment in the area."

• Duration: Israeli newspapers expect the operation to last several days in the so-called "Five Villages cluster."

• Targeted Areas: Operations include the towns of Tubas, Tamoun, and Aqqaba.

• Field Measures:

  • Invading towns and conducting house raids.

  • Forcing several families to evacuate.

  • Converting some homes into military barracks.

  • Disruption: The Directorate of Education and the Governor of Tubas announced the closure of all public schools, kindergartens, and government/private institutions on Wednesday for public safety.

2. Background of Escalation and Figures

• Escalation: Violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has escalated since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.

• Preceding Operation: This operation follows an earlier military campaign launched at the beginning of the year called "Iron Shield," which targeted refugee camps in the northern West Bank.

• Casualties and Displaced:

  • Palestinians: More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers since the start of the Gaza war (according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health).

  • Displaced: 32,000 Palestinians remain forcibly displaced due to the previous "Iron Shield" operations (according to Human Rights Watch).

  • Israelis: At least 43 Israelis have been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians in the West Bank during the same period (according to official Israeli figures).