Israel Deploys Tanks to West Bank for First Time Since 2002 Amid Rising Tensions
For the first time in over two decades, Israel has deployed tanks to the occupied West Bank, signaling a sharp escalation in its military operations.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the move on Sunday, with tanks entering Jenin as part of “Operation Iron Wall,” an offensive targeting Palestinian militants in the northern West Bank.
This follows bus bombings near Tel Aviv on February 20, which caused no injuries but heightened fears of renewed violence.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that troops would maintain a long-term presence in refugee camps emptied during the campaign.
Approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced from areas like Jenin and Tulkarem, with Katz emphasizing that the goal is to dismantle militant infrastructure and prevent future attacks.
Humanitarian organizations warn of worsening conditions for displaced families, describing this as the largest displacement in the West Bank since 1967.
The IDF reports that over 70 Palestinian militants have been killed and more than 300 arrested since operations began on January 21.
Civilian casualties, including children, have also been reported, alongside significant damage to infrastructure such as roads and water systems.
Israel Deploys Tanks to West Bank for First Time Since 2002 Amid Rising Tensions
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has raised concerns about access to basic services for those affected.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a response to growing security threats and part of a broader effort to counter Iranian-backed groups in the region.
Palestinian officials condemned the tank deployment as a dangerous escalation undermining stability and peace efforts.
Observers warn that this intensification risks further destabilizing an already volatile region while raising questions about its long-term humanitarian and political consequences.
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