Growing Violence in West Bank Emphasizes Strategic Importance Vis-à-vis Israel

News Analysis

An overnight raid by the Israeli army in the West Bank, involving strikes in Jenin and Tulkarm resulting in the deaths of 10 Palestinians, highlights an additional battleground in the ongoing conflict. Israel, previously focused on engagements with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, finds the West Bank strategically crucial and cannot afford to have it controlled by hostile forces.

Israel has not engaged in a full-scale ground war like in Gaza or an intense air and rocket exchange as seen with Hezbollah. Nevertheless, it recognizes the strategic importance of the West Bank to prevent it from falling into the hands of enemies.

There is a prevailing fear among many Israelis that granting independence to the region would lead to terrorist attacks targeting Israel, similar to how Hamas has operated in Gaza since 2007, culminating in the Oct. 7 attack.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security service have conducted targeted raids against terrorists in the West Bank. Sadly, there have also been instances of violence instigated by both Israeli and Palestinian civilians against each other.

Recently, masked Jewish assailants attacked the Palestinian village of Jit, resulting in fatalities and destruction. Israeli police have arrested suspects in connection with the incident.

The Israeli government has strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that security operations in the West Bank are solely the responsibility of Israel’s security forces.

Despite denouncing the violence, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s policies have been criticized for contributing to tensions. Representing a party advocating for Jewish settlements in the West Bank, his stance against Palestinian statehood has drawn international scrutiny.

In a statement, Smotrich expressed concerns about the establishment of a Palestinian state, citing recent events as evidence of the risks involved.

Highlighting the significance of the West Bank in Israel’s security, he emphasized the need to safeguard the territory for the country’s survival.

Considering the historical, cultural, and strategic importance of the West Bank—referred to as Judea and Samaria—supporters of a two-state solution view it as a crucial part of a future Palestinian state.

In 1967, Israel gained control of the West Bank during the Six-Day War, securing territory vital for its defense against neighboring threats.

Israeli analyst Yoram Ettinger noted that while there has been talk of a two-state solution, many Israelis recognize the existential risks involved in relinquishing control over the West Bank.

An Israeli withdrawal from the region would pose grave dangers, according to Ettinger.

The Strategic Value

Geographically situated at a higher elevation than Israel’s populous coastal areas, the West Bank holds a strategic advantage by overlooking key Israeli territories, including Tel Aviv.

Visiting Peduel, a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, reveals its strategic location offering panoramic views toward Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea from an elevation of over 1,200 feet.

Historically, the region was under Jordanian control and used to shell Israel. However, it fell into Israeli hands during the Six-Day War, providing a key vantage point for Israel’s defense.

Control over the West Bank and other territories like the Golan Heights is essential for Israel’s security against potential threats from neighboring nations.

Ensuring Survival

The strategic depth provided by controlling the West Bank represents a critical component of Israel’s security posture. By maintaining a strong deterrent presence in the region, Israel sends a powerful message to its adversaries and safeguards its interests.