IDF Remains in Northern West Bank Refugee Camps Through Year-End

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that IDF troops will remain deployed in the northern West Bank refugee camps, including Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, at least until the end of 2025 following an extensive military offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. Katz described these camps as hotbeds of terror funded and armed by Iran, serving as fronts against Israel, and stated that the recent operations have led to the evacuation of residents, elimination of militants, and destruction of terror networks, resulting in an 80% decrease in terror alerts in the area. The offensive, dubbed “Operation Iron Wall,” began in January 2024 and involved arrests of thousands of wanted Palestinians, including many affiliated with Hamas. Despite Israeli claims of no current terror activity in the camps, the United Nations and European Union have condemned the military actions, highlighting the death of women and children and an unprecedented scale of mass displacement in the West Bank. Israeli forces have continued operations across Judea and Samaria, arresting weapon dealers and terrorist operatives, aiming to curb violence against Israeli civilians. Katz emphasized the approach as a model for counter-terrorism in both Judea and Samaria and Gaza, underscoring the ongoing commitment to security in these contested areas.