Why has Israel deployed tanks in the West Bank for the first time in 20 years?
For the first time since 2002, Israel has deployed tanks in the occupied West Bank in addition to its military operations in Jenin and other refugee camps. The move follows recent attacks near Tel Aviv and rising tensions amid a Gaza ceasefire Israeli tanks operate during an Israeli operation in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 23, 2025. File Image/Reuters For the first time in over two decades, Israel has deployed tanks into the occupied West Bank, marking a significant escalation in its military operations against Palestinian militant groups. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the deployment of tanks and an increased military presence in the West Bank to combat what they describe as growing security threats from Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
As fighting in Gaza stops, Israel launches major military campaign in West Bank
Discover Related
West Bank teen becomes first Palestinian to die Israeli prison
Inside Israel’s Military Operation in a West Bank Refugee Camp
Mapping how Israel’s land grabs are reshaping the occupied West Bank
Oscar-winning Palestinian director detained, kicked, punched by Israeli soldiers
West Bank Palestinians displaced by Israel's military fear they'll never go home again
Israel renews ground operations in Gaza, issues 'last warning' on hostages
The Palestinians Israel displaces in the West Bank have nowhere to go
Israel releases four Lebanese captives, agrees to join border talks
Israeli forces kill at least four people in the occupied West Bank
UNRWA warns Israel's West Bank operation aligns with annexation 'vision'
‘Public execution’: The Israeli checkpoint terrorising a Palestinian town
Tens of thousands of Palestinians seek shelter after Israeli assaults across the West Bank
On a pause from genocide, Israel turns its focus to ethnic cleansing
Israeli military releases findings of probe into October 7 attack
Israel arrests dozens of Palestinians in overnight West Bank raids