IDF Maintains Control in Nablus Amid No Plans for New Refugee Camp Occupation

Despite Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's recent security briefing suggesting preparations for occupying another Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank, the Israeli military currently has no plans to launch such an operation. The Defense Ministry clarified that while plans exist to expand offensive actions against Palestinian terrorism, there is no immediate feasibility to replicate the large-scale occupation model used in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps.

The IDF is instead focusing on maintaining governance and operational freedom within Palestinian cities, particularly in Nablus (Shechem), where troops have been conducting sustained patrols in the central market area. This approach aims to preserve the significant gains made in reducing terrorism in the northern West Bank without overstretching military resources, which are currently concentrated on Iran-related threats and tensions in southern Lebanon and Gaza.

Recently, the IDF completed a two-day intensive "sustained operation" in the Kalandia refugee camp and the nearby village of Aqraba, involving demolitions of illegal structures to disrupt terror infrastructure. This operation aligns with ongoing efforts to prevent "lone-wolf" attacks and counter terror financing and drone threats. The military remains vigilant for intelligence indicating the establishment of concentrated terror networks that might prompt focused crackdowns.

The Defense Ministry emphasized that the current strategy prioritizes deterrence and governance over new large-scale occupations, which require significant manpower and engineering resources. The IDF continues to balance maintaining security gains in the West Bank with broader regional challenges.