The army released a statement today, Thursday, confirming that two Israeli soldiers were injured due to an explosive device detonating on a military vehicle in Tulkarm, northern West Bank. Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Israeli army imposed a military blockade on the city of Tulkarm in the northern West Bank after two soldiers were injured by an explosive device. The authority clarified on its website that the explosive device exploded in an army vehicle at checkpoint 104 near Tulkarm, resulting in one soldier being seriously injured and damage to the military vehicle. It noted that an order was issued to impose a comprehensive siege on Tulkarm, and large forces began sweeping operations in the area.
In a related context, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich previously threatened “annihilation” last week, stating that Israel “will annihilate” the Palestinian Authority if it “dares to raise its head” or threatens Israel’s security, as he put it. Smotrich confirmed during a press conference that the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank aims to prevent the establishment of a “Palestinian terrorist state aiming to eliminate us,” describing this step as “realistic” to confront what he called a “political attack” on Israel, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
He added that Israel will not allow its cities to turn into areas resembling the “Gaza envelope.” Smotrich also claimed that the American administration supports Israel’s stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state, affirming that Israel “will not permit the establishment of a Palestinian state under any circumstances,” emphasizing Israel’s determination to face any challenges in this context.
