Israeli Paratroopers Withdraw from Gaza Strip, Redeploy to West Bank Amid Rising Tensions

The Israeli Paratroopers Brigade has completed its three-month mission in the Gaza Strip and will be redeployed to the West Bank, the IDF spokesperson announced on Monday. Operating under the Gaza Division and the 99th Division, the brigade focused on securing the area near the 'yellow line' by destroying terror infrastructure. Their operations included sealing off 13 kilometers of underground tunnels, some linked to the case of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin. The forces also uncovered and destroyed numerous Hamas weapons caches, including RPG rockets, mortar shells, grenades, launchers, and ammunition.

In addition to dismantling terror networks, the brigade established new routes and outposts to enhance defense capabilities in the region. The IDF emphasized that southern command forces remain deployed according to the ceasefire arrangement and will continue to neutralize immediate threats.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security briefing at Central Command regarding escalating tensions in the West Bank. Attended by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and other senior officials, the meeting reviewed the threat landscape, counterterrorism efforts, and the significant growth in settlements. Katz highlighted a remarkable decline in Palestinian terror attacks in the West Bank for the second consecutive year, reaching unprecedented low levels despite recent clashes between settlers and Palestinians.

Recent incidents include a violent confrontation last Friday in the village of Sa'ir between Palestinians and a group of settlers, which was not coordinated with security forces. The clash resulted in the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian, arson damage to a building, and injuries to several hikers from stone-throwing.