Israel raises military alertness, readiness for troop reinforcement in West Bank

JERUSALEM, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir on Thursday ordered heightened alertness and preparations for the rapid deployment of additional troops to the occupied West Bank, citing tensions in the territory and potential "multi-front escalation."

"I am ordering the elevation of readiness of an additional division headquarters to reinforce the forces in the area," Zamir said, speaking during a situational assessment. "In addition, preparations must be made for the immediate deployment of units and battalions to reinforce the area."

Israel's military operations and clashes with Palestinians in the West Bank have increased significantly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023.

Earlier this month, Israel advanced the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank by issuing a tender for 1,234 housing units. Published online by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the tender covers part of a broader plan to build 3,401 housing units in the E1 area, located east of Jerusalem. Enditem