Netanyahu’s Aggression in Jenin: Annexation or Prelude to War?
Escalating Tensions in the West Bank: Israeli Military Operations Spark Resistance and Speculation Over Regional Motives.
Watan-In a new escalation, the Israeli occupation launched a wide-scale military operation in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp after the withdrawal of Palestinian Authority security forces under Israeli orders. Jenin, known as the “sister of Gaza,” has long stood as a symbol of Palestinian resistance and defiance against occupation.
Only hours after the ceasefire in Gaza was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated military movements in the West Bank as part of his ongoing aggressive policies. The operation, named “Iron Wall,” is seen as an attempt to undermine the resistance’s victory in Gaza and to appease Israeli domestic anger following the signing of the ceasefire agreement.
Occupation forces and bulldozers stormed Jenin amid intense shelling targeting civilians and residential buildings. Medical teams were also attacked, in scenes reminiscent of the tragic events recently witnessed in Gaza. This campaign is being carried out under the pretext of protecting West Bank settlements after the deadline given by Tel Aviv to the Palestinian Authority to control the camp expired.
Palestinian sources reported dozens of martyrs and injuries in the early hours of the operation, while Hamas declared a general mobilization and called on resistance fighters to confront the occupation. Meanwhile, Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, warned of the occupation’s plans to annex the West Bank.
Analysts believe Netanyahu aims to boost his declining popularity through this campaign, especially after the resignation of several ministers in his extremist government and senior military leaders following the Gaza ceasefire deal. He also seeks to pacify the far-right wing within Israel, which has expressed dissatisfaction with the concessions made during the recent war.
The operation in Jenin raises questions about Israel’s true intentions: Is this the first step toward fully annexing the West Bank, or a prelude to resuming the war against Palestinian resistance?
Meanwhile, the scope of confrontation in the West Bank is expected to widen, with continued shelling and targeting of civilians. The Palestinian resistance has called for unity and defense of the land, as Israel persists in its attempts to break the will of the Palestinian people and achieve its expansionist goals.
