The Weapon Supply of the Resistance in the West Bank.
Since the Israeli military’s extensive operation in the West Bank began two weeks ago, Palestinian resistance fighters have taken to using explosives to counter the occupying forces, resulting in material and human losses for the Israeli military. The success of these operations has raised questions about the sources of Palestinian weapons in the West Bank, an area under strict Israeli military control with over 700 checkpoints.
The Palestinian groups have not disclosed the sources of their arms and equipment, but reports from Hebrew media and Israeli military sources, as well as analysts, offer some insight. According to Youssef Al-Sharqawi, a Palestinian military analyst, the occupation is the primary driver of the formation of resistance groups in the West Bank. He notes that the Israeli military is a significant source of arms for the Palestinian resistance, with fighters obtaining Israeli-made weapons through various means.
Regarding the raw materials for making explosives, Al-Sharqawi explains that the Israeli military has admitted to the widespread availability of these materials in the market. The methods for producing and preparing explosives can also be found online. Israeli forces have previously confiscated fertilizers and agricultural products under the pretext that they are used to make explosive devices.
Another analyst, Omar Jaara, points out that the Palestinian Authority provides security coordination with Israel, yet the Israeli military still seeks to destroy all Palestinians, regardless of their affiliation. He notes that the history of resistance in the West Bank, including the stone intifada, knife intifada, and “firework” intifada, demonstrates the resilience of the Palestinian resistance.
Jaara dismisses Israeli claims of arms smuggling from Iran through Jordan as baseless. Instead, he emphasizes that the Palestinian resistance in the West Bank lacks facilities and military strength compared to Gaza.
Recent reports from Israeli media have advertised alleged arms smuggling operations from Jordan to the West Bank, claiming that the balance of power has been disrupted. However, an Israeli military source said that the seized arms were primarily of Israeli and Palestinian origin, smuggled by gangs with financial motivations.
In July, Israeli forces launched a large-scale operation in the West Bank, targeting shops selling fertilizers and agricultural materials. Shop owners were arrested on suspicion of using these materials to create explosive devices.
As the situation in the West Bank continues to escalate, the Palestinian resistance remains determined to resist Israeli occupation. Despite Israeli military control and attempts to suppress the resistance, the determination of the Palestinian people to fight for their rights and freedoms endures.