Hundreds of Israeli soldiers are currently conducting a large-scale offensive in the occupied West Bank, including operations in the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem, and the Far’a refugee camp near Tubas. The Israeli government characterizes the operation as a campaign against “armed terrorists,” marking one of the largest military actions in two decades. The offensive has already resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians.
The office of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the attacks, warning that they could have “dire and dangerous” consequences. In light of the seriousness of the situation, President Abbas has returned early from a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Israeli operations in refugee camps and cities in the West Bank have become a daily occurrence and have intensified since the attack on October 7, when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, resulting in over 1,139 deaths in southern Israel and around 240 abductions. Since that time, Israeli forces have killed at least 40,534 people and injured an additional 93,778 in Gaza, as well as 662 Palestinians in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, new Palestinian movements have emerged that are linked to established groups but are developing their own strategies against the Israeli occupation, reflecting a growing impatience with the current status quo. Political analyst Abdaljawad Omar notes that the Palestinian Authority is gradually losing influence over certain community groups, particularly in the northern part of the West Bank.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has claimed that the operation aims to “disrupt Iranian Islamic terror infrastructures.” However, critics dismiss this assertion as unrealistic, arguing that it serves more as a justification for ongoing attacks in the region.
This ongoing offensive comes at a time when the situation along the Lebanese border has stabilized following a series of attacks exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah. While the violence in Gaza continues, negotiations for a potential ceasefire are ongoing, although many observers view them with skepticism.
Some analysts suggest that the current offensive in the West Bank has been encouraged by right-wing politicians in Israel seeking to expand control over the area. These factions are being pushed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who see opportunities for the complete annexation of the West Bank and the expulsion of Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces significant internal opposition, yet he still holds a slight lead in opinion polls. According to politicians like Ori Goldberg, there are no visible alternatives to the current approach among Israeli politicians, making it unlikely that changes will occur soon.
Analysts predict that Israel’s multi-front conflict will continue, indicating that a stable resolution to the regional conflict appears to be a distant prospect.