Netanyahu Redirects Elite Forces to Expand West Bank Raids

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the reallocation of elite military forces from the invasion of Lebanon to the occupied West Bank to expand raids on refugee camps. This move increases the military presence in the region to approximately 26 battalions and targets funding sources and dual-use materials in areas designated for treatment. The escalation follows statements from Minister of Military Affairs Israel Katz and other far-right ministers claiming that operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran remain unfinished.

On June 27, 2026, the Israeli army conducted widespread raids across the West Bank, including storming a wedding celebration in Hizma with tear gas and raiding the village of Tayasir. In the Hebron governorate, forces established checkpoints and blocked roads with concrete and iron gates to restrict movement. These actions followed a surge in violence between June 19 and June 25, during which the Palestine Information Center documented 1,298 violations, including 276 raids and 51 property demolitions.

Concurrent with military operations, Palestinian civilians faced significant displacement and property destruction. The United Nations verified the displacement of over 40,000 Palestinians from camps such as Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams. In Burqa, forces arrested 10 Palestinians and burned 2.5 acres of olive groves, while settlers damaged fences and crops in Al-Mughayyir.