Israel has deployed tanks into the West Bank for the first time since 2002, signaling a possible long-term military presence in their bid to combat terrorism within the region’s refugee camps. This follows an ongoing fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with tanks observed moving toward Jenin. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that the military has been instructed to increase their efforts to counter terrorism throughout the West Bank, with troops expected to remain in certain areas for an extended period. Palestinians who have fled are not permitted to return, according to Katz, as the authority aims to prevent the resurgence of terrorism.

Katz has also directed the military to prepare for extended operations in some of the West Bank’s urban areas, from which significant numbers of Palestinians have fled. The United Nations confirms this figure to be around 40,000. This movement of troops occurs against the backdrop of a ceasefire deal struck a month prior, under which Hamas has released additional hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israeli forces will remain for as long as necessary.

Critics have condemned these actions as a dangerous escalation of the situation in the West Bank. Despite the presence of tanks not being seen in the territory since 2002, this latest deployment underscores Israel’s commitment to its anti-terrorism efforts.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/israel-moves-tanks-west-bank-first-time-since-2002