In national press briefings and internationally, the United States has backed up a pledge to defend its ally. But that comes against pressure by progressive lawmakers and even some more moderate congress members who have issued statements that can be perceived as having moral equivalency between Israeli and Palestinian actions.
Palestinian health officials say 11 people have been killed in violence in the West Bank. The Israeli military says it has carried out airstrikes on a tunnel network in Gaza.
After meeting with local IDF commanders, defense minister threatens strong response to terror attacks, says Israel would withhold financial assistance earmarked for COVID relief
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Defense Minister Benny Gantz says Israel is not seeking an intensification of clashes in the West Bank, a day after at least nine Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli fire during violent riots.
“Alongside the fighting in the Gaza Strip, we are also seeing an escalation in other [military] sectors, among them Judea and Samaria,” Gantz says after holding an assessment with top security officials at IDF Central Command, using the biblical name for the West Bank.
“I want to convey a message to the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria the State of Israel has no interest in an escalation in Judea and Samaria but is ready for any scenario,” he continues. “In Gaza the residents are suffering because of the Hamas rule, while the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria can enjoy the calm and stable economy.”
Gaza Strip, May 15: Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip entered its sixth consecutive day, with Israeli air raids hitting a refugee camp where at least 10 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed.