The Israeli military operations have recently expanded beyond traditional confrontation cities in the northern West Bank. Areas previously identified as “quiet” have now fallen under increased scrutiny and violence from Israeli forces. The frequent incursions and destruction of infrastructure raise important questions about the nature of this shift.
Emerging Conflict in Previously Quiet Areas
In recent years, cities such as Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nablus have become hotspots for military engagement. This escalation followed the emergence of armed groups like the Lion’s Den in Nablus and the Jenin Brigade. These regions have faced higher rates of conflict compared to others.
Historically quiet cities are now witnessing repeated raids and assaults. This change suggests a transformation in military strategy, as Israeli forces extend their operations into areas that previously saw minimal violence.
Major Raids in Salfit
In a notable incident last week, Israeli forces launched a significant military operation in Salfit. This raid, deemed the largest of the year, involved hundreds of soldiers and numerous military vehicles, lasting approximately 12 hours.
- During this operation, the military isolated the city by closing major entrances.
- They imposed a curfew, conducted extensive searches, and reportedly converted several homes into military outposts.
- Eyewitness reports indicated injuries among residents, necessitating hospital treatment.
Local journalist Mohammed Ashtiyeh characterized the raid as unjustified, noting Salfit’s recent history of calm and the use of military helicopters for troop deployment, suggesting a strategy of intimidation rather than containing a valid security threat.
Political and Strategic Implications
The recent actions are closely tied to ongoing settlement expansion and the isolation of Palestinian areas. The Salfit Governorate is increasingly surrounded by settlements, with significant land being cleared for the creation of a new and substantial settlement.
This expansion not only restricts Palestinian access but also contributes to a broader strategy to alter demographics and enforce control over the region.
Classifying Cities: A Tool for Control
Political analyst Suleiman Basharat argues that labeling cities as “quiet” or “escalating” is a constructed narrative by Israeli authorities. He claims this classification serves to manage Palestinian society through a system of rewards and punishments.
- Such classifications reinforce inequality and drive internal divisions among Palestinians.
- They mirror Israel’s broader colonial ambitions by fragmenting communities into classified categories.
Basharat emphasizes that the ongoing assaults and military strategies intersect with settlement expansions, creating a new landscape of control in the West Bank.
Future Scenarios and Palestinian Resilience
According to Basharat, ongoing developments will depend on several intertwined factors. These include regional and international political conditions and the evolving internal Palestinian situation.
While Israeli authorities may temporarily enforce their control, historical precedents show that the Palestinian population can reach critical moments of resistance, which can alter the dynamics on the ground.
Researcher Eissa Zeboun concurs on the misuse of the “quiet cities” label. He believes it is employed to justify military operations and social control. Areas like Bethlehem and surrounding communities are subjected to land reclassification intended to create conflict and provoke residents into confrontations similar to those in the northern West Bank.
Current Military Strategy
The Israeli military strategy now encompasses a blend of security rhetoric and settlement objectives. Recent incursions target various Palestinian communities, indicating a systematic approach to extend Israeli control and settle its population.
The ongoing pattern of raids and land seizures reflects broader goals to suppress Palestinian resilience and occupy more land through military and civilian means.
