Does Netanyahu wants to bomb Gaza again like West Bank now?
Introduction
The current situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories reflects complex political dynamics and shifting military strategies following the Gaza ceasefire agreement
Israeli Opposition and Ceasefire Stance
Israel’s political opposition has largely supported the Gaza ceasefire as a means to secure hostage releases.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid explicitly offered parliamentary support for the deal, stating he’d provide a “safety net” if far-right coalition partners withdrew. The primary resistance comes from Netanyahu’s own coalition partners:
Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich threatened to collapse the government over the ceasefire
These ministers demanded continued military operations under the banner of “total victory” against Hamas
West Bank Escalation as Strategic Shift
The surge in West Bank violence (Operation Iron Wall) that began January 21, 2025—two days after Gaza’s ceasefire—appears strategically significant:
Military Reorientation: With Gaza operations paused, Israel redirected resources to the West Bank, conducting:
Drone strikes and mass arrests in Jenin/Tulkarem
Controlled demolitions leveling entire neighborhoods
Checkpoint closures affecting 900+ Palestinian communities
Political Signaling
Appeases far-right demands for continued hardline security measures
Aligns with settler movements’ territorial ambitions in the Jordan Valley
Mirrors Gaza tactics with “fire belt” neighborhood destruction
Humanitarian Impact
70+ Palestinians killed since January 1
5,500+ families displaced in Jenin/Tulkarem camps
UNRWA warns of “catastrophic” conditions in Jenin
Ceasefire Stability Concerns
The West Bank escalation creates dual pressures:
Undermining Gaza Agreement: Palestinian officials warn operations could reignite broader conflict
Coalition Fragility
Netanyahu walks tightrope between international ceasefire commitments and far-right demands for expanded operations
Conclusion
While the political opposition pushes to consolidate ceasefire gains, Netanyahu’s survival depends on balancing these demands against far-right partners who view West Bank operations as both security necessity and ideological imperative.
The simultaneous calm in Gaza and violence in the West Bank suggests a calculated effort to compartmentalize conflicts rather than abandon the ceasefire entirely—though this precarious balance remains vulnerable to escalation.
FAF additional review
There is increasing pressure and concern that the Israeli opposition is considering abandoning the agreement and re-engaging in Gaza, which is home to approximately 2 million residents. Such a move could be catastrophic and potentially jeopardize any remaining hostages.
Meanwhile, President Trump continues to provide military aid to Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington to meet with President Trump. It remains to be seen what decisions will be made regarding the situation for both Israelis and Gazans.