Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major military operation in the occupied West Bank following the killing of two Israeli soldiers in an attack near Hebron. The operation, which could be the largest since 1967, aims to target militant infrastructure and displace residents from neighborhoods linked to the attack.
Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the scene, pledging a crackdown mirroring tactics used in Gaza and Jenin refugee camp. Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich announced building demolitions, calling for a 'very painful price' for those who attack Israelis. The high court temporarily halted the demolitions, citing concerns over collective punishment.
Israeli rights groups warn of potential war crimes as the operation unfolds. The UN called for a halt to violence, while Netanyahu's government faces pressure to address security concerns ahead of elections. The operation could have significant implications for Israel's political future and its relationship with the Palestinian territories.