The raid followed the explosion of three buses in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. Analysts suspect the attack may have been orchestrated by Israelis themselves to justify further assaults on native Palestinians. Netanyahu ordered the deployment of three additional battalions to the West Bank before any investigation results were released.
In a video message from the occupied territory, Netanyahu boasted that Israeli forces were conducting “critical operations.” He confirmed that, alongside Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, he had ordered intensified assaults on Palestinians. Katz also took part in another raid on a Palestinian home in Tulkarm.
Israeli forces have ramped up attacks against native Palestinians across the West Bank, carrying out home invasions, kidnaps, and violent crackdowns. Hundreds have been kidnaped, including women and children.
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemned Netanyahu’s raid and the escalation of violence. She stated:
“Israeli PM Netanyahu, wanted by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity, persists in unlawful actions, now in full swing in the occupied West Bank. These actions are leading Israel to a troubling point in history. It’s crucial for international law to be enforced, holding Israel accountable, starting with its leaders.”
Israeli PM @netanyahu, wanted by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity, persists in unlawful actions, now in full swing in the occupied West Bank. These actions are leading Israel to a troubling point in history.
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) February 21, 2025
It's crucial for int'l law to be enforced, holding… https://t.co/YUtuXNnWVx
