Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a large-scale anti-terror operation in the West Bank following a deadly attack by Palestinian militants. The operation comes after an incident in the Hebron neighborhood where Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinians during a gun battle. Two Israeli soldiers were also killed in the exchange of fire.
The attack, which occurred in the Hebron area, wounded five Israelis before the assailants were killed. Netanyahu confirmed the incident took place just days before Israeli elections, prompting heightened security measures and calls for military action against perceived terrorist threats. Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, praised the attack as a legitimate response to Israeli actions against Palestinians.
This follows a pattern of escalating tensions between Israeli security forces and Palestinian militants in the West Bank. The recent incident has intensified calls for de-escalation and dialogue, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sami Hafez urging both sides to reduce violence. Despite these appeals, Netanyahu has emphasized the need for a comprehensive military response to address what he describes as ongoing terrorist threats.
The operation marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with Israeli forces deploying across the West Bank to target suspected militants. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The international community has called for restraint, but no immediate ceasefire has been announced.
