Israel launches West Bank operation after two soldiers killed
One Turn followed this story across 7 editions, from West Bank on October 16, 2026. Newest first.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and about 3 million Palestinians live there along with Israeli settlers. The two gunmen were killed by troops; Hamas praised the attack without claiming it.
Israel began a large military operation in the occupied West Bank after gunmen killed two soldiers near Hebron on Friday. Troops sealed off Hebron and Halhul and raided at least 15 towns, detaining dozens of Palestinians. Bulldozers demolished shops and a factory. The UN said it was "extremely alarmed" by the closures.
Why it matters: The closure restricts movement and work for Palestinians across the territory days before Israel's election.
Israeli forces detained about 80 US, Israeli and British volunteers helping Palestinians harvest olives near Nahalin, including New York Democratic congressional nominee Brad Lander, several rabbis and a former Israeli deputy attorney general. Lander was released with a warning and said dozens remained in custody.
Why it matters: The detention of a US congressional candidate draws international attention to violence around the annual olive harvest.
Israeli police detained 10 people in a rare raid against settlers after weekend attacks in the occupied West Bank on European diplomats, a French mayor and US photojournalist Heidi Levine, who described an "attempted lynching." Israeli forces also demolished a home near Bethlehem citing a lack of permit, according to Wafa. Senior Palestinian official Jibril Rajoub warned the West Bank was on the verge of an "explosion."
Why it matters: Attacks on foreign diplomats and journalists have raised international pressure on Israel over settler violence.
Israeli police detained 10 people in a rare raid after weekend settler attacks on European diplomats, a French mayor and US photojournalist Heidi Levine in the occupied West Bank. A senior Palestinian official warned of an 'explosion', and UN experts urged protection for olive farmers.
Why it matters: Attacks on foreign diplomats have drawn international pressure on Israel over settler violence.
Masked settlers attacked a European delegation including diplomats, a French mayor and the archbishop of Cambrai near Taybeh while they visited Palestinian olive harvesters, injuring three. The EU strongly condemned the attack and demanded accountability; Israel's military condemned it, but Netanyahu's office questioned the account. The US ambassador separately called a settler beating of a Washington Post photojournalist an act of terror.
Why it matters: Attacks on foreign officials add diplomatic pressure on Israel over settler violence days before its election.
Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to olive trees and injuring several people, including Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine. The UN says settler attacks during this year's harvest have already surpassed the 2025 total; China's foreign minister separately urged Israel to stop the 'forced establishment' of settlements.
Israeli settlers attacked and beat a group of Palestinians and an American photojournalist working for The Washington Post. The journalist required surgery on his hand.
Why it matters: Attacks on journalists add to international scrutiny of settler violence in the occupied West Bank.