The Israeli military announced on Wednesday the launch of a fresh counterterrorism operation in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, amid ongoing violence in the region. In a joint statement with the internal security service, the army said troops “began operating as part of a broad counterterrorism operation in the area of northern Samaria,” using the biblical term commonly employed by Israel to describe part of the West Bank.
The Israeli army confirmed to reporters that this operation is distinct from its previous counterterrorism campaign, which began in January 2025 and mainly targeted Palestinian refugee camps. Officials described the new deployment as “an independent initiative” aimed at addressing what they called escalating security threats in the northern West Bank.
Since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, which sparked the ongoing Gaza war, the West Bank has seen a marked rise in violence. Despite a fragile truce in Gaza that came into effect on October 10, 2025, clashes and military actions have continued across the occupied territories. Both Palestinian militants and civilians have been affected, as well as Israeli soldiers and civilians.
According to figures compiled by AFP from the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the conflict in Gaza. While many of those killed were identified as militants, the numbers also include a significant number of civilians, reflecting the intensity of military operations and clashes with settlers. On the Israeli side, official figures indicate that at least 44 people, including soldiers and civilians, have died in attacks or related military actions.
The northern West Bank, where the new operation is focused, has been the scene of repeated confrontations between Israeli forces and local Palestinian communities. Security sources in Israel have described the area as a “high-risk zone” due to the presence of armed groups and the potential for attacks against both military personnel and civilians. The deployment of additional troops aims to prevent further incidents and strengthen Israeli control over strategic points in the region.
The military said its forces are working in close coordination with intelligence units to identify and target individuals or groups involved in militant activities. The operation reportedly involves the use of checkpoints, patrols, and targeted raids on suspected militant hideouts. Israeli authorities said the goal is to disrupt planned attacks and to ensure the security of settlements and military installations in northern Samaria.
International human rights groups have expressed concern about the ongoing operations, warning that the use of force in densely populated areas increases the risk of civilian casualties. Analysts note that continued military campaigns in the West Bank could further escalate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, especially as the Gaza conflict remains unresolved.
Observers also point out that the new operation underscores Israel’s strategy of maintaining pressure on Palestinian armed groups while attempting to secure settler communities in contested territories. Political analysts say the focus on northern Samaria reflects both the strategic importance of the area and the challenges Israel faces in curbing militant activity without inflaming further unrest.
The Israeli army has not released full details of the operation, citing security concerns. However, officials stressed that operations are ongoing and that troops will continue to engage in counterterrorism measures as needed. The situation remains tense, and both Israeli and Palestinian authorities continue to monitor developments closely, with the international community calling for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law.
The new operation is the latest in a series of military initiatives by Israel in the West Bank since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Security analysts say that, despite international pressure and calls for peace, the conflict shows no immediate signs of abating, leaving civilians on both sides at risk.
