Israeli Military Prepares for Escalation in the West Bank, Continued Fighting in Gaza and Lebanon
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), said Monday that the Israeli military must prepare for a “significant” escalation in the West Bank and the continuation of operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
“Alongside the enhanced defensive preparations in the Gaza Strip, we must be ready for significant operations in the West Bank in the coming days. This is to preempt and capture terrorists before they reach our citizens,” Halevi said, according to an IDF spokesman.
The spokesman added that Halevi “ordered the formulation of plans for the continuation of the fighting – also in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.”
The comments highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire in Gaza, which began on Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted he has a US guarantee that he can restart military operations after the first phase of the deal, although there are signs that the Trump administration wants to ensure a permanent truce is reached.