Israeli Forces Launch Massive Raids on West Bank Businesses, Seize Millions in Cash and Gold

In an unprecedented wave of military raids across the occupied West Bank today, Israeli occupation forces stormed dozens of Palestinian currency exchange and gold shops under what many are calling false pretenses of “terror financing.” The sweeping operation, described by Zionist media as one of the largest of its kind, took place amidst growing criticism over Israel’s military overspending—now surpassing its annual defense budget by over $4 billion. Heavily armed troops, accompanied by military vehicles, rolled into major Palestinian cities including Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, Qalqilya, Al-Khalil (Hebron), Bethlehem, Tulkarem, and Ramallah.

The raids targeted Palestinian commercial establishments, with occupation forces ransacking shops, seizing cash and valuables, and detaining dozens of business owners. According to official Israeli statements, the troops confiscated approximately 7 million shekels (around $1.9 million USD) in cash and 6.2 million shekels (around $1.7 million USD) worth of gold.

A total of 30 Palestinian citizens were arrested during the operation, including well-known figures in the financial sector. Human rights groups and Palestinian officials have condemned the raids as a form of collective punishment and economic warfare aimed at undermining Palestinian self-sufficiency.

Critics argue that the narrative of “terror financing” is being weaponized to justify seizures and arrests without due process or evidence. In Nablus, the Red Crescent reported that two young men sustained injuries during confrontations with Israeli forces.

Additionally, Mahmoud Al-Kharaz, a Palestinian youth, was martyred during the violent incursion, further escalating tensions in the region. The timing of the operation raises further concerns, as it coincides with Israel’s ballooning military expenditures amid its ongoing war on Gaza and intensifying repression in the West Bank.

Analysts warn that such aggressive economic and military tactics could fuel broader unrest and deepen resistance in Palestinian territories. As calls grow internationally for accountability and restraint, the Palestinian Authority and civil society groups are demanding immediate international intervention to halt what they describe as an illegal assault on Palestinian livelihoods.