Analysis: Israel’s Gaza invasion could test its occupation of the West Bank

 

In a recent article published in Al-Jazeera today, the focus is given on Israel's expanded security presence in the West Bank and the potential challenges it faces in dealing with the situation in Gaza. 

The author highlights the numerous checkpoints scattered throughout the West Bank, which serve as reminders of Israel's ongoing occupation.

These checkpoints, both permanent and temporary, are a major obstacle to normal life in the Palestinian territories. International agencies such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Human Rights Watch are monitoring these obstacles. 

They report that Palestinians often face humiliation and delays at these checkpoints, while Israeli settlers enjoy relatively unrestricted movement.

The article also discusses increasing incidents of violence in the West Bank, possibly fueled by Israeli settlers. There have been incidents of attacks against Palestinians and their property near the new illegal settlements, with seemingly little intervention by the Israeli military. 

This unabated aggression has raised questions about the government's stance on settler violence.

The protection of settlers has become a major issue, leading to an increased need for control posts that require significant manpower. These control posts are essential to protect settlers in isolated areas. 

To maintain even the simplest checkpoint,Israel deploys large numbers of soldiers, and large crossings into the separation wall require hundreds.

Additionally, settlements themselves demand a significant drain on human resources. With around 150 illegal settlements and 100 unrecognized checkpoints in the West Bank, the government is likely to deploy troops to ensure their protection, significantly increasing the required manpower.

The article concludes with an important question: Can Israel mobilize all its forces in time for a possible ground attack on Gaza? The author points to logistical challenges that can hinder a rapid response.

In summary, this article highlights the complex situation in Israel, where the need to manage the security of the West Bank and deal with the situation in Gaza presents a delicate balancing act for the government.

(Source: Al-Jazeera)