Israeli security forces launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in the northern West Bank on Wednesday, with Palestinian officials saying the assault is centred on the city of Tubas. Local governor Ahmed Al-Asaad said Israeli forces, backed by a helicopter that opened fire, encircled several neighbourhoods, forced residents from their homes, seized rooftops and conducted arrests.
Residents have been told not to return until the operation ends a process the governor warned could take several days. Israel’s military confirmed an early-morning operation involving the army, police and intelligence services, but declined to provide further details.
The raid appears to be an expansion of Israel’s months-long campaign targeting armed Palestinian groups across the northern West Bank. That effort began in Jenin in January, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office, and has since widened to multiple cities. Israeli forces have maintained unusually long deployments in some areas, clearing refugee camps, destroying infrastructure and displacing thousands.
Human Rights Watch this month accused Israel of war crimes, citing forced expulsions allegations Israel denies. The region has seen sharp increases in violence, including attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities, with limited arrests despite criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Why It Matters
The intensifying operations underscore the West Bank’s growing volatility even after the Gaza ceasefire. Military pressure in northern cities risks further destabilizing the Palestinian Authority, widening displacement, and fuelling international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct.
With Hamas condemning the Tubas raid and calling for international intervention, the operation threatens to draw renewed diplomatic attention at a moment when Israel is already under pressure over the humanitarian situation across Palestinian territories.
Israel: Seeking to dismantle armed groups and prevent attacks amid rising West Bank militancy.
Palestinian civilians: Facing home raids, forced displacement and tighter movement restrictions.
Palestinian armed groups (including Hamas): Condemning the operations and rallying international pressure.
Palestinian Authority: Struggling to assert control as Israeli raids expand.
International community: Monitoring rights concerns, especially after recent war-crimes allegations.
What’s Next
Israeli forces are expected to remain in Tubas for several days, with more details on the operation to be released by the military. The campaign is likely to continue expanding across northern West Bank cities unless political or diplomatic pressure forces a slowdown. Increased displacement, further rights investigations and escalatory settler violence remain key risks in the days ahead.
With information from Reuters.
