Why is Israel launching a crackdown in the West Bank after the Gaza ceasefire?
Associated PressJan 22
Destruction in Jenin as Israel Expands Northern West Bank Offensive
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Above: Smoke rises from a residential block belonging to Palestinian families that was blown up by Israeli forces during the large-scale military operation on the city of Jenin and its camp on February 2, 2025. Image copyright: Nasser Ishtayeh/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Facts
Israel has destroyed over 20 buildings and other pieces of infrastructure in the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank as an offensive it launched last month continues. Israel said it destroyed the buildings "to prevent terrorist infrastructure from being established there."
The offensive, which was launched two days after the cease-fire in Gaza came into effect, has so far displaced almost all of Jenin refugee camp's 20K population. At least 25 Palestinians — including nine militants — have been killed.
Israel said it has killed at least 35 Palestinian fighters from different armed groups and detained over 100 wanted individuals. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that Israel has killed 70 Palestinians, including ten children, in the West Bank since the beginning of the year.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Israel has a right to respond to terrorist threats, Israeli policy should avoid escalating tensions. After 15 months of intense warfare in Gaza, Israel failed to dismantle Hamas, and it is unlikely that a heavy-handed approach will succeed in the West Bank. Indeed, connecting the war in Gaza to operations in the West Bank is largely a political decision.
Pro-Israel narrative
Now that the wars with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have largely come to a close, Israel must focus on the terror threat in the West Bank. Iran continues to stoke the flames of conflict by smuggling weapons to terrorist groups in the West Bank, and Israel must respond forcefully.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Only days after Israel was forced to end its genocidal war in Gaza, it has launched a massive assault on the occupied West Bank. The PA, Israel's subcontractor of the occupation, has also assisted Israeli forces in their aggression against Palestinians. Indeed, given the statements of Israeli leaders, Israel seeks to treat the West Bank like Gaza, destroying civilian infrastructure and ethnically cleansing the population.
