US urges protection of Palestinian civilians amid IDF counterterrorism op in West Bank

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration urges Israel to “to take all feasible measures to protect civilian lives in the West Bank” in its first response to the IDF counterterrorism operation in the territory.

“We recognize Israel’s very real security needs, which includes countering terrorist activity in the West Bank,” says a statement from a State Department spokesperson to The Times of Israel.

“At the same time, we continue to insist that Israeli authorities take measures to protect all civilians from harm,” the statement continues.

“We also remain deeply concerned about maintaining stability in the West Bank and continue to urge Israel to take all feasible measures to protect civilian lives in the West Bank – just as we urge them to do in Gaza,” it adds.