Netanyahu launches major West Bank operation after Israeli soldiers killed
First steps would see residents displaced, homes searched and 'terrorist infrastructure' destroyed, threatening operations on a scale unseen since Israel captured the Palestinian territory in 1967.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a major military operation in the West Bank on Friday, following the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen near Hebron. This announcement came days before the country's elections, in which security is a central issue. The operation aims to neutralize terrorist infrastructure and is expected to be more extensive than previous actions since Israel's capture of the territory in 1967.
The first step involves displacing residents of Hebron, conducting home searches, and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israeli officials praised the soldiers' response, stating it prevented a larger attack. Netanyahu and his allies have vowed to take a hard stance against West Bank militancy, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announcing building demolitions as part of the response.
The operation has drawn criticism from human rights groups and the UN, which has condemned the potential collective punishment and war crimes.
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Also reported by 6 other outlets
- Netanyahu launches major West Bank operation after Israeli soldiers killed freemalaysiatoday.com
- Israel launches ‘limited counterterrorism’ op after 2 IDF troops killed in West Bank timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Signs of fraying loyalty emerge in Netanyahu stronghold before Israeli election pbs.org
- Palestinian gunmen kill two Israeli soldiers in West Bank, shot dead in retaliation hindustantimes.com
- 'Will Destroy Terror Infra': Netanyahu After 2 Soldiers Killed In West Bank ndtv.com
- Irish man detained in West Bank along with activist group rte.ie
