ALBAWABA - The Israeli military has reinforced its West Bank presence by deploying three additional battalions, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive for a "strong operation" in the region. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported the arrest of a Jewish suspect linked to recent bus explosions near Tel Aviv.
In a statement released on Platform X, the Israeli army confirmed that the decision to send three battalions to the Central Command was based on security assessments. The statement emphasized that the military remains prepared to expand operations, particularly in northern West Bank, where efforts to suppress hostile activities are ongoing.
The escalation follows Netanyahu’s late-night security meeting with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and Police Commissioner Dani Levi. The meeting was prompted by a series of attempted bus bombings that raised security concerns.
On Thursday evening, Israeli authorities reported three bus explosions in Bat Yam and Holon, near Tel Aviv. The blasts, caused by improvised explosive devices, did not result in casualties as the buses were empty at the time. Additional unexploded devices were later found and neutralized.
According to Channel 14, a court order has imposed a three-week gag order on the investigation. However, media sources revealed that Shin Bet arrested a Jewish suspect from Gush Dan for allegedly transporting a Palestinian suspect believed to have planted the explosives. Channel 12 confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody early Friday, with his hearing set to take place behind closed doors. He has also been denied access to legal representation.
Amid heightened tensions, a Palestinian man was killed today after an Israeli military vehicle rammed his car in Tulkarm. According to Palestinian news agency WAFA, the incident occurred when an Israeli armored vehicle, traveling at high speed in the wrong direction, collided forcefully with the Palestinian’s car. The victim’s wife, who was also in the vehicle, sustained injuries.
Israeli forces also carried out new raids in multiple locations, including Al-Jalazone refugee camp near Ramallah, where two Palestinians were arrested. Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, the army stormed Al-Azza and Al-Duha towns.
As tensions continue to escalate, Israeli forces remain heavily deployed across the West Bank, with security operations intensifying in response to recent developments.
