ALBAWABA - The Israeli military has intensified its operations across the occupied West Bank, with armored personnel carriers patrolling Hebron for the first time since the Second Intifada.
Meanwhile, an Israeli officer confirmed that the army is preparing to escalate attacks on key infrastructure in northern West Bank refugee camps, marking the most extensive offensive since the 2002 invasion.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the army is set to target additional military infrastructure in the northern West Bank, particularly in Jenin and other refugee camps, where a three-week-long offensive has been ongoing.
An Israeli engineering officer stated that Jenin's military infrastructure is the most developed they have encountered, and current operations focus on neutralizing Palestinian surveillance points, dismantling weapons production sites, and identifying explosive traps within the camps.
Footage circulating on social media showed Israeli military vehicles and armored personnel carriers patrolling the southern districts of Hebron, an occurrence unseen since 2002.
Palestinian activist Issa Amro confirmed the presence of these heavy military units, particularly in the H2 zone, which remains under full Israeli control per the 1997 Hebron Agreement. This zone includes the Old City and the Ibrahimi Mosque, covering 20% of Hebron.
Amro suggested that the troop movement may be part of Israeli military drills, but warned that deploying such heavy equipment signals an intent to solidify military dominance over the West Bank, including Area A, which is officially under Palestinian Authority control.
As part of a broader military exercise, the Israeli army launched drills across the West Bank, Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea region, and the occupied Golan Heights, involving live fire, explosions, and increased troop movement.
Human Rights Organizations Condemn Israel’s Escalation
Israeli rights group B’Tselem accused the military of waging full-scale war on Palestinians in the West Bank since the January 19 ceasefire in Gaza.
According to B’Tselem, Israeli settlers—under army protection—have attacked Palestinian villages daily, with soldiers failing to intervene. The organization shared video evidence on X (formerly Twitter)
