Settlers fear third intifada in West Bank: Israeli media
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Israeli settlers express concern over escalating Resistance operations in the West Bank and call on the Israeli security and military establishment to work effectively to restore “security” in the area.
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A convoy of Israeli military armored vehicles is seen during an army raid in Tulkarem, West Bank, on September 3, 2024. (AP)
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth highlighted the growing concern among settlers in the occupied West Bank due to the escalation of Palestinian Resistance operations, the diminishing sense of security, and the rising fear of a new Palestinian uprising.
The newspaper reported on Tuesday that the Resistance's Gush Etzion operation has sparked significant concern among settlers in the West Bank. Settlers expressed their alarm over "the increase in incidents, the return of stone-throwing, and the explosive devices and car bombs now reaching the entrances of settlements," adding that, "security is being undermined," and their deep concern about "the growing circulation of weapons in Palestinian villages."
The settlers expressed their fear of Resistance operations in the West Bank, emphasizing that “treating the West Bank as a secondary arena does not reflect the reality, as this area is clearly active.” They noted that seeing Resistance fighters at martyr funerals increases their concern, with fears that these weapons could be used against them.
The settlers urged the security and military establishment to take proactive and decisive action to restore security, stressing that the current situation cannot be allowed to persist. They expressed their fear of returning to the days of the Second Intifada, stating, “We do not want to relive the nightmare of explosions occurring every other day across Israel.”
Read next: Israeli illegal settlers attack Palestinians across West Bank
Danger escalating in West Bank
In this context, Israeli military analysts have warned against the escalating danger in the occupied West Bank, describing it as an additional front alongside the northern and southern fronts. Channel 12 military affairs correspondent Nir Dvori urged that all alarm bells be sounded, not just on security and military fronts, but also politically.
He believed that "Israel" is confronting a significant escalation in the West Bank, extending beyond the northern region to include al-Khalil and other areas. He stressed that this escalation is spreading the Israeli occupation's resources across multiple fronts.
Channel 13 political analyst stressed that the West Bank was the “third most important front,” but it began to turn into a “more serious front” following the annexation of the city of al-Khalil in the southern West Bank, which he said was slowly igniting, and “when it ignites, it is very difficult to extinguish.”
He warned that the escalation in the West Bank would make "Israel" call for more forces, which would mean a shortage on other fronts, in the north and Gaza, adding that there are 23 Palestinian battalions currently in the West Bank.
Read next: Israeli forces demolish 78 homes, structures in West Bank in August
