Israel Has Its Pretext For Total War On West Bank

What happened: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu threatened a major West Bank offensive four days before elections after two Israeli soldiers were killed in Hebron on Friday. He said the IDF is ready and "we will determine the timing, but it is coming." Key numbers: Election on Oct. Why it matters: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a Gaza-style operation to dismantle the Palestinian Authority. Polls indicate Netanyahu's party may not win a majority, and he faces possible jail time on corruption charges if no longer prime minister.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu threatened a major West Bank offensive four days before elections after two Israeli soldiers were killed in Hebron on Friday. He said the IDF is ready and "we will determine the timing, but it is coming."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a Gaza-style operation to dismantle the Palestinian Authority. Polls indicate Netanyahu's party may not win a majority, and he faces possible jail time on corruption charges if no longer prime minister.