The operation in Jenin constitutes "another step towards achieving our goals" and strengthening security on the West Bank, according to a statement from Netanyahu. The operation will continue "as long as necessary", according to Israel.
Jenin's mayor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, describes it as an invasion.
It happened quickly: Apache helicopters in the air and Israeli military vehicles everywhere, he says to AFP.
"Counter-terrorism"
In a previous statement from the Israeli army, border police, and security service Shin Bet, the offensive is described as "counter-terrorism". Several Palestinian extremist groups, including the terror-listed Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have strongholds in the city.
Palestinian media report on air strikes and a large number of Israeli forces entering the city. According to information from the West Bank's Palestinian health department, ten people have been killed and many more injured, writes AFP.
"Maintain operational freedom"
According to The Times of Israel's source within the Israeli military, the goal is to "maintain IDF's operational freedom on the West Bank".
Over the past month, the Palestinian Authority (PA), which holds limited self-governance on the West Bank, has also acted against rival groups in Jenin. The operation, described as the worst armed confrontation between Palestinian groups in several years, has been seen as the PA's attempt to position itself as a serious player in the struggle to control the Gaza Strip in the future.
Since October 7, 2023, when the terror-listed Hamas launched an attack on Israel and the Gaza War became a reality, violence has escalated on the occupied West Bank as well.
According to local authorities, more than 800 Palestinians have been killed on the West Bank during the war.
Approximately 3 million Palestinians live on the West Bank – but also several hundred thousand Israeli settlers, in communities considered illegal under international law. The area has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967.
Within the framework of the occupation, the Palestinian al-Fatah is responsible for limited self-governance on the West Bank, through the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Sources: Ocha, Landguiden/UI
