Ankara: For the first time in over two decades, the Israeli army deployed tanks in the occupied West Bank on Sunday amid military escalation in the occupied territory. The deployment represents a significant shift in military strategy by the Israeli forces as tensions continue to rise in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, a military statement confirmed that troops from the Nahal Infantry Brigade and the Duvdevan Commando Unit initiated operations in several villages near Jenin in the northern West Bank. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that the deployment of tanks is part of broader preparations for an expansion of military operations in the northern West Bank.

This marked the first time since 2002 that the Israeli army has deployed tanks in the West Bank, a move reminiscent of the army's Operation Defensive Shield. The current operations have been ongoing since last month, resulting in the deaths of at least 60 people and the displacement of thousands.

The raids are a continuation of Israel's military escalation in the West Bank, where at least 923 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 7,000 injured in attacks by the Israeli army and illegal settlers since the onset of the conflict against the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

In July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's long-standing occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, demanding the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.