For the first time in over two decades, the Israeli army deployed tanks in the occupied West Bank on Sunday amid military escalation. Troops from the Nahal Infantry Brigade and the Duvdevan Commando Unit began operations targeting several villages near Jenin, marking a significant shift in Israel's military strategy. According to the Israeli public broadcaster KAN, this deployment is part of broader preparations for the expansion of military operations within the northern West Bank.
The last time tanks were used by the Israeli army was during Operation Defensive Shield back in 2002. Since then, the military has conducted various operations but did not employ armored vehicles as heavily as now. Following the recent surge of violence, the Israeli forces have reportedly killed at least 60 people and displaced thousands across the region.
The military actions coincide with troubling statistics released by the Palestinian Health Ministry, which reports at least 923 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 7,000 injured due to Israeli army operations and actions by illegal settlers since the onset of conflict against Gaza on October 7, 2023. This conflict has intensified the long-standing issues surrounding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
The situation has gained international attention, particularly after the International Court of Justice declared Israel's prolonged occupation illegal, reiterative calls for the evacuation of settlements within the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The military presence and actions of the Israeli army have come under scrutiny as international communities question the legality and ethics surrounding the occupation.
On the political front, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana expressed his strong support for extending Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria during a recent visit to northern Samaria. Ohana, representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party, stated, "These biblical, original parts of our land, which the Bible tells the story of our people, are intended for us, for the people of Israel.” He emphasized the necessity for these territories to fall under the jurisdiction of the State of Israel, referring to the tragic events of October 7 as pivotal moments undermining discussions of the two-state solution.
His comments, made from an observation point overlooking central Israel, suggest Jewish communities are not impediments to peace but rather pathways toward achieving it. "Today, this thing is clearer than ever," he proclaimed, asserting the need for comprehensive control over these areas.
Ohana also expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling him as “the best friend the State of Israel has had in the White House.” There are expectations from the U.S. administration about the potential recognition of Israeli claims to these territories as both Republican political circles and Christian leaders rally support around the idea of sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.
The Conservative Political Action Conference recently issued statements reaffirming the belief these regions are integral to the Jewish state. The timeframe indicates significant domestic and international shifts supporting Israel's territorial rights, which mirror the military strategies being executed on the ground.
With military operations intensifying and political assertions amplifying, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to exacerbate tensions within the region. Both civilian casualties and international legal concerns reflect the challenging dynamics at play. The integration of military and political frameworks suggests the complexity of achieving peace remains as elusive as ever.
Recent actions point toward the escalation of military efforts alongside strong political posturing, setting the stage for continued conflict. The global community watches closely as Israel navigates its policies amid the deepening humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people.