Israel launches major West Bank operation after two soldiers killed

Israel has launched a major military operation in the occupied West Bank following the killing of two Israeli soldiers, raising fears of further violence as the country prepares for a closely contested election.

The operation began on Friday, October 23, and is expected to continue for several days, with Israeli forces conducting searches, questioning Palestinians and demolishing structures they describe as security threats in the Hebron area.

According to a joint statement from the Israeli military and the Shin Bet domestic security agency, the operation aims to locate and dismantle what Israel calls militant infrastructure linked to the attack.

The escalation comes just days before Tuesday’s election, in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting to retain power after campaigning on promises to strengthen Israel’s security.

Netanyahu visited the scene of the shooting in Hebron alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, signalling the government’s intention to take a tougher approach towards Palestinian armed groups.

The Israeli military said security forces were conducting operations at dozens of locations. Netanyahu also ordered a lockdown across the West Bank and said authorities were considering an extensive military campaign in the territory.

He said the initial phase would involve entering the neighbourhood from which the attackers allegedly came, evacuating residents, searching homes and destroying what he described as militant infrastructure.

The Israeli military intends to follow a model previously used in refugee camps in the northern West Bank, where a major operation launched in January 2025 led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, according to the United Nations.

Hamas Praises Attack as Tensions Rise

The shooting took place at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint near Hebron, where two Palestinian gunmen engaged Israeli soldiers in a firefight. Israeli forces subsequently killed both attackers.

Hamas praised the attack as a “heroic operation” but did not claim responsibility. The group also called for further attacks.

Meanwhile, Israeli far-right ministers have demanded an even broader military response. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for an offensive in the West Bank resembling Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.

No evidence presented in the report linked the Palestinian Authority to the shooting.

UN Warns Against Collective Punishment

The operation has prompted concern among human rights advocates and international officials.

Israeli rights group B’Tselem urged the international community to intervene, warning against collective punishment and actions that could constitute war crimes.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed concern over Israeli closures affecting Palestinian livelihoods and called for an end to violence by all sides.

The latest escalation comes amid rising tensions over attacks by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinian olive harvesters.

According to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry figures, Israeli forces and settlers have killed 1,117 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Israeli figures show that at least 51 Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations over the same period.

With the election approaching, the unfolding operation threatens to deepen an already volatile situation and intensify concerns about the safety of Palestinian residents across the occupied territory.