Israel imposed a complete lockdown across Palestinian cities in the occupied West Bank on Friday, as it prepared for potential retaliation from Iran following Tel Aviv’s deadly airstrikes earlier in the day targeting Iranian territory.
The Israeli military claimed that Iran had launched around 100 drones in response, which it said were being intercepted by Israeli forces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted they had “control over the situation” but continued to bolster troop deployments along borders and in key areas, including the occupied West Bank.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that military operations would continue “as long as necessary.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment” for the Israeli assault, which killed top Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and numerous civilians.
No timeline was provided for when the West Bank lockdown would be lifted. The IDF said its actions were guided by real-time intelligence and the persistent threat of retaliation by Iran or its allied groups in the region.
The Israeli strikes on Iran marked a major escalation, extending its military campaign beyond Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. The attack targeted nuclear facilities under Israel’s unilateral claim of preventing the development of nuclear weapons — a claim Iran has consistently rejected, maintaining that its nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful purposes.
In the aftermath of the strike, six Iranian nuclear scientists, senior military officials, and many civilians were reported killed.
The United States has denied any involvement in the attack. International leaders have urged de-escalation amid rising regional tensions. Commercial air travel has also been widely disrupted in response to the unfolding crisis.
The assault further exacerbates instability in the Middle East, already reeling from Israel’s prolonged offensive in Gaza since October 2023 and ongoing military operations in neighbouring countries.
