Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major military operation in the occupied West Bank after two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting near Hebron. The operation, which could involve displacing residents and destroying terrorist infrastructure, is the largest since the 1967 war.
Netanyahu visited the site of the attack and pledged a harsh response, citing the need to secure Israel ahead of upcoming elections. The attack, which involved Palestinian gunmen armed with handguns and automatic rifles, was not claimed by Hamas, though the group praised it as a 'heroic operation' and called for more attacks.
Israeli forces have raided homes in the area and arrested residents, with the military stating they are using a model similar to one used in refugee camps in the northern West Bank. UN officials have raised concerns about the potential for collective punishment and war crimes, while Israeli right-wingers have called for dismantling the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas did not claim responsibility for the attack, but the group has urged supporters to carry out more attacks. Israeli officials have warned of a 'very extensive' operation, with no evidence linking the Palestinian Authority to the incident.