Will Israel's military intervene in the West Bank?
Palestinians question the reasoning behind calls for an Israeli "Operation Defensive Shield 2," given the lack of available targets and unclear objectives.
Though the idea lacks broad support, some Israeli politicians and military leaders have publicly discussed the possibility of launching an "Operation Defensive Shield 2" to deal with ongoing Palestinian attacks. Despite the Israeli military's attempts to limit or prevent them, the attacks on settlers have continued since Oct. 1.
On Nov. 22, Davide Perl, head of the council of the Gush Etzion settlement, issued a statement to the press calling for such a response, and a day later, so did Education Minister and HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett. Israeli military commentator Amos Harel on Nov. 27 predicted, “The Israeli army’s invasion of Hebron in the West Bank is only a matter of time and will happen sooner or later under pressure from the leaders of the Israeli right-wing.”
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement Nov. 24 condemning calls for military intervention.
Hamas official spokesman Husam Badran told Al-Monitor, “Israeli politicians are talking about Operation Defensive Shield 2 to outbid the Israeli government and accuse it of failing to deal with the intifada. Should Israel implement this operation, new parties will enter into confrontations against it, such as members of Fatah and the Palestinian security services. This would exacerbate the intifada, not weaken it.”
