Israel has intensified military activity, arrests, movement restrictions and expansion of illegal settlements and military outposts across the occupied West Bank, according to a report published July 26. Near Nablus, Israeli forces were raiding homes in the village of Tal belonging to Palestinians accused in the killing of two Israeli soldiers. Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya said the operation was intended to temporarily seal the homes as an initial step toward demolition.

Four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes southwest of Nablus last Friday. Palestinian sources said the violence began after settlers attacked Tal, near the illegal Havat Gilad settlement, while the Israeli military gave a different account. International human rights groups have repeatedly criticized Israel's policy of demolishing homes of accused attackers, describing it as collective punishment and a clear violation of international law.

WAFA reported that Israeli forces detained at least 80 Palestinians from areas including Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Bethlehem and Tulkarem. Local sources said settlers set fire to the Al-Rahma Mosque in Qusra; Israeli authorities made no immediate comment. Analysts cited in the report said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is relying on hard-right supporters before elections due in three months.