Israel Hits West Bank Amid Gaza, Saudi Talks

Amid intensified conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces launched significant operations in the West Bank on August 28, 2024, killing at least nine Palestinians, targeting cities like Jenin and Tulkarem. The Israeli army described the raids as counterterrorism efforts to dismantle Iranian-Islamic terror infrastructures. Palestinian militant groups confirmed clashes with Israeli forces during the operations, which have resulted in over 650 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since October 2023. This escalation coincides with broader regional tensions, including threats from Iran and Hezbollah, although U.S. officials note that the immediate risk of a wider war has slightly decreased. Meanwhile, the White House remains optimistic about brokering an Israel-Saudi normalization agreement before the next U.S. presidential election, despite ongoing hostilities and political complexities.