Israeli Military Warns of Rising West Bank Tensions, Large Operation Delayed Until After Netanyahu's US Visit

Senior Israeli military officials have described the situation in the West Bank as highly volatile and dangerous amid escalating tensions. Currently, 26 battalions are deployed in the area to reinforce security. A senior security source warned that the unrest is like a "snowball rolling" and will be difficult to stop. A large-scale operation targeting terror infrastructure and incitement is expected to be postponed until after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to the United States. This delay aims to avoid having the Palestinian issue overshadow Netanyahu's meeting with US President Donald Trump, where Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza are the primary concerns.

The Israeli military clarified that a recent incident near the Gilad Farm, which heightened tensions, was not a deliberate arson attack but caused by a cigarette butt thrown by two suspects, who were subsequently released by police. Since then, numerous clashes and attacks have occurred across the West Bank, including two attempted weapons kidnappings in Samaria and Hebron over the weekend. These incidents resulted in the deaths of a platoon commander and a standby team member, and a soldier on leave was moderately injured.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has instructed forces to avoid friction that could ignite further violence. Nevertheless, in the past 48 hours, the security forces have been unable to prevent several nationalist crimes, including the arson of a mosque, buildings, and vehicles. Despite the political sensitivity ahead of Netanyahu's US trip, the IDF launched an operation in Nablus to arrest suspects, investigate individuals, and locate weapons. However, the broader operation is expected to wait until after Netanyahu returns from the United States.