Israeli military ups pressure in West Bank as settler violence rises

The Israeli military has initiated a significant operation in the occupied West Bank following a violent clash on Friday that resulted in six deaths. The incident involved four Palestinian residents of Tell village and two Israeli soldiers, after a group of settlers entered the village. Israeli officials stated violence erupted when a Palestinian stole a weapon and fired at Israelis, while Palestinian officials claimed their villagers were provoked by armed trespassers. This event triggered widespread settler violence across more than a dozen villages, with hundreds of Israelis reportedly torching homes and throwing stones.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a "series of forceful steps against terror," stating the military would "act forcefully in villages that serve as terror hotspots" and "accelerate the regularization of farms and the establishment of new ones."

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the demolition and evacuation of Palestinian villages. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that "The Israeli government is pushing the West Bank towards explosion."