Netanyahu Orders Extensive West Bank Operation After Soldier Deaths

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to prepare for a "very extensive" operation in the occupied West Bank. This directive follows the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and two Palestinians in an exchange of fire near Hebron. The military stated it had thwarted a "terror attack" by two armed Palestinians.

The planned operation, described by Netanyahu as potentially going "house to house and demolish homes," is expected to be on a scale not seen in the West Bank for decades. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region and just before an upcoming election, underscoring the volatile political and security climate.