By Salma El-Sakka
The Israeli military launched a large-scale operation across the occupied West Bank over the weekend, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of Palestinians and significant movement restrictions. The military action follows a gun attack in Hebron on Friday that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others.
Military Operations and Arrests
The Israel Defence Forces reported conducting operations in more than 400 different locations. During the crackdown, military forces arrested 40 Palestinians whom they claimed were affiliated with Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Following the Friday attack, the military stated it discovered weapons in the gunmen's vehicle and suggested they were planning to target Israeli civilians before being intercepted at a checkpoint.
Impact on Palestinian Residents
The operation has caused widespread disruption, with hundreds of families displaced. In the Deir Bahha neighborhood and four surrounding communities, municipal officials reported that between 200 and 300 families were forced to move, many into other parts of Hebron. Due to road closures, residents were forced to navigate military gates on foot, carrying essential supplies such as flour and gas canisters.
The military also implemented strict movement controls, stating that most Palestinian workers with permits would be barred from entering Israeli communities for work on Sunday and Monday. Additionally, crossings into Israel remained closed leading up to the elections on Tuesday.
Political Context and Security Surge
This military escalation occurs as Israel approaches a tense election, which many view as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership and security policies. Following the Hebron attack, Netanyahu and members of his government vowed a forceful response, with the Prime Minister stating that the military would act to destroy the areas where attackers operated.
The West Bank has seen a significant surge in violence this year. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 112 Palestinians have been killed, while six Israelis have been killed in attacks during the same period. The region remains a flashpoint, particularly in Hebron, where Jewish settlers live within densely populated Palestinian areas under Israeli military protection.
