Die Lage im Überblick: Israel startet „Anti-Terror-Operation“ im Westjordanland

In response to a recent attack in the West Bank that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers, Israel has launched a targeted anti-terror operation in the Hebron area, according to official statements. The joint military, intelligence, border police, and civil administration force has been actively searching the region for terrorist infrastructure and weapons with the aim of removing them, according to a Telegram announcement.

This operation, which is expected to last several days, is limited to the area from which the terrorists operate and is anticipated to continue for a few days. On Friday morning, an armed attack near Hebron claimed the lives of two soldiers, with three others wounded. Both suspected Palestinian perpetrators from Hebron were subsequently killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this prevented a "serious attack." In an effort to prevent further terrorist attacks originating from the West Bank, Netanyahu ordered the immediate sealing off of Hebron and the implementation of additional security measures. Meanwhile, Israel holds its national parliamentary elections on Tuesday, making the conflict with Palestinians a key issue for political parties as they vie for voter support.

Israeli right-wing politicians have been promising tough action against Palestinian violence, while downplaying the growing threat of radical Israeli settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. Israeli military forces have been conducting anti-terror operations in various locations across the West Bank, with residents reportedly having three designated exits to leave the area.

As part of the anti-terror measures, the military is also sealing off areas such as Hebron and Halhul, as well as establishing road blockades. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the sealing of Hebron, reports of house demolitions, and potential displacements, stating that these restrictions significantly restrict Palestinian movement, access to essential services, and livelihoods.

The situation in the West Bank has escalated since the 1967 Six-Day War, during which Israel captured the territory along with East Jerusalem and has since maintained control. Currently, about 700,000 Israeli settlers live among the three million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Since the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, that triggered the Gaza War, the situation in the West Bank has become even more volatile.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, armed confrontations, and Palestinian attacks in the West Bank. Israeli forces are frequently accused of failing to take decisive action against such attacks or even cooperating with settlers.