Netanyahu warns of major West Bank military operation after attack

Elections in Israel are approaching, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is eyeing a win. On election day in March 2015, Netanyahu posted a video on Facebook warning of a likely defeat and Arab voters flocking to polling stations. His message proved effective, as his supporters turned out, and he won in a close race. Now, with three days until the election following Hamas attacks, Netanyahu has found a way to boost his chances.

The shooting at a checkpoint in Hebron yesterday, killing two Israeli soldiers, has accelerated the conversation ahead of the election. Netanyahu, who prides himself on being Israel's protector, responded swiftly. He cancelled his campaign events, traveled to Hebron, sealed the city, and ordered a lockdown of the West Bank. He pledged a broad IDF operation in Judea and Samaria, unlike anything seen since the Six-Day War.

Netanyahu's goal is to portray himself as a commander-in-chief rather than an election candidate lagging in polls. His coalition partners on the right, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, are also pushing for a military campaign in the West Bank. The most significant aspect of these moves is that they address the election campaign's lack of drama, which had led to resignation among Netanyahu's supporters.

By promising forceful action, Netanyahu aims to reassure his base and avoid outflanking from his coalition partners. While it remains uncertain whether this will affect Tuesday's result, the West Bank is experiencing the consequences of the situation. The Israeli right, including Netanyahu, believes that whenever they feel besieged, they move into action, and this time, they have been given a reason to feel threatened.