Nahost: Israel startet im Westjordanland „Anti-Terror-Operation“

Following two soldiers' deaths in a West Bank attack, Israel claims to have launched an anti-terror operation in the Hebron area. According to a combined statement from the Israeli army and Shin Bet security service, forces have been systematically searching the area to locate and eliminate terror infrastructure and weapons. The operation, involving the army, intelligence, border police, and civil administration, is limited to the territory from which terrorists operate and is expected to last several days.

The incident occurred early morning near Hebron, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and three others wounded. The Palestinian assailants, believed to be from Hebron, were killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a "serious attack" was averted and hinted at a possible closure of all crossings to the Palestinian territory.

Parliamentary elections are taking place in Israel on Tuesday, making the conflict with Palestinians a key campaign issue. Right-wing politicians are trying to appeal to their base by promising tough action against Palestinian violence, while downplaying the increasing attacks by radical Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank.

The army also announced measures to enhance security, including the demolition of illegal structures that could pose a safety threat. Security forces are currently conducting anti-terror operations in dozens of locations across the West Bank. As of now, residents in the affected areas can leave the area through three designated exits.

The anti-terror measures include the closure of Hebron and Halhul areas and the establishment of road blocks. The West Bank situation has intensified since Israel's 1967 Six-Day War, when it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Currently, about 700,000 Israeli settlers live among three million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Since the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, in Israel and the ensuing Gaza War, the situation has become even more tense. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, armed confrontations, and their own attacks. Israeli forces are repeatedly accused of not being sufficiently decisive against such attacks or even cooperating with settlers.