Hyderabad, Feb. 23 -- The Israeli army deployed tanks in the northern occupied West Bank on Sunday, February 23, for the first time since Operation Defensive Shield in 2002. The move is reportedly aimed at "strengthening military operations in the region."

"IDF forces, the Shin Bet security service and the Border Police continue their operations to thwart terrorism in northern Samaria (the West Bank) and expand their offensive activities in the area," the army said in a statement on the X.

"Forces from the Nahal Brigade and the Duvdevan Unit have begun operating in additional towns in the Jenin area, and at the same time a tank platoon will operate in Jenin as part of the offensive effort."

"The forces continue their work in the Jenin ...