Operation “Swords of Iron” and development of the conflict in the West Bank

Importance. Operation “Swords of Iron”, initiated by Israel in response to a large-scale attack by Hamas in October 2023, which led to a significant escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, is considered. The aim of the study is to identify the specifics of this operation, as well as its impact on the changing balance of power in the region and possible consequences for radical groups in the West Bank.

Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the work is the principles of objectivity and historicism, considering modern processes and phenomena in development, in their mutual and temporal relations. Along with general scientific methods, such as analysis and comparison, methods of source analysis are used: historical-comparative, retrospective, synchronic methods.

Results and Discussion. It is noted that operation “Swords of Iron”, as well as the events surrounding it, have clearly demonstrated the significant capabilities that radicals in the Gaza Strip currently possess as part of their armed struggle against the Israelis. In particular, they have demonstrated the ability to build an extensive underground infrastructure. This allows them to effectively hide and maneuver in conflict. Radicals in Gaza have more advanced resources for military preparations than their counterparts in the West Bank, allowing them to conduct large-scale operations. Underground facilities not only provide protection, but also serve as strategic locations for directing militant operations. In the current environment, the priority for radicals in Gaza remains the consolidation and expansion of their underground infrastructure, making the tasks of Israeli security forces in the region much more difficult.

Conclusion. Operation “Swords of Iron” is of particular importance because of the results achieved and the forces involved, and should be considered a key moment for the military preparations of the radicals in Gaza. The creation of an extensive network of underground structures has significantly strengthened the militants’ position, allowing them to effectively conceal and maneuver their forces. In contrast to Gaza, radicals in the West Bank face serious limitations in building similar infrastructure due to the active opposition of Israeli security forces. This makes it difficult to keep the armed confrontation in the West Bank at a level acceptable to the radicals while Israeli forces focus on combating threats in Gaza.