Mass Arrests, Home Demolitions Escalate West Bank Crisis

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Israeli forces arrested 80 Palestinians in a single night across the West Bank while demolishing a family home and banning a Palestinian Authority minister.

Story Highlights

Israeli forces detained 80 Palestinians including women and children in overnight raids across Hebron and Jenin
Military bulldozers demolished the family home of a deceased attack perpetrator as collective punishment
Palestinian Authority Minister of Jerusalem Affairs banned from West Bank entry for six months
Operations represent intensified military activity since January 2026 with no Israeli commentary provided

Massive Arrest Operation Sweeps West Bank

Israeli military forces conducted extensive arrest operations from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning on January 15, 2026, detaining 80 Palestinians across multiple West Bank cities. The Palestinian Prisoners Club documented arrests that included vulnerable populations: one woman, two children, and several former detainees. Operations concentrated primarily in the southern city of Hebron and northern Jenin, areas that have experienced frequent military incursions under existing security protocols.

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Home Demolition Follows November Terror Attack

Military bulldozers demolished the family home of 18-year-old Imran al-Atrash in Hebron’s Khallat Nafisa area after evacuating residents. Al-Atrash carried out a car-ramming and stabbing attack in November 2025 that killed one Israeli and injured three others before he was neutralized. Home demolitions of terror attackers’ families represent a longstanding Israeli deterrent policy, though human rights organizations condemn the practice as collective punishment against innocent family members.

PA Minister Barred from West Bank Access

Palestinian Authority Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ashraf al-Awar received a six-month ban from entering the West Bank following questioning at al-Maskubiya detention center. The PA Ministry condemned the restriction as “new escalation” that hampers institutional support for Palestinians in Jerusalem. Al-Awar has 72 hours to appeal the decision, which limits Palestinian Authority operations in areas where the organization seeks to maintain political influence and provide services.

Escalating Military Operations Under Trump Era

These operations reflect intensified Israeli security measures since early 2026, with arrest campaigns occurring near-daily under military law that grants commanders executive, legislative, and judicial authority over three million Palestinians. The 80 arrests represent the highest single-operation detention count since the recent escalation began. Israeli military operates without warrant requirements in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas, conducting operations that often trigger clashes and property damage in civilian neighborhoods.

Israel Carries Out Raids, Demolitions, Arrests Dozens In West Bank https://t.co/anj2JKwNJW

— AVSEC Pro (@avsec_pro) January 15, 2026

Recent incidents include December killings during raids and demolition orders affecting refugee camps, demonstrating sustained military pressure across the region. The absence of Israeli military commentary on these latest operations leaves questions about operational objectives and duration. These developments occur as President Trump’s administration works to establish Middle East policies that balance security concerns with regional stability requirements.