Iron Wall or iron fist? Palestinian militancy and Israel’s campaign to reshape the northern West Bank
A look at Israel's Operation Iron Wall in the West Bank.
Analysis
Middle East
Staff
Ameneh Mehvar
Senior Analyst, Middle East
Dr. Ameneh Mehvar is ACLED’s Middle East Senior Analyst. In this role, she leads analysis on regional conflicts and provides expertise to ensure the accuracy of ACLED’s data coverage, while also supporting the organization’s engagement with external partners and the media.
Ameneh has expertise in Middle East security and foreign policy, with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Persian Gulf security dynamics. Previously, she worked as a political risk consultant in the private sector and has also gained experience in the public sector. Additionally, she has taught and conducted academic research.
Ameneh holds a master’s degree in Middle East and Central Asian Security Studies and a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
Spoken languages: English, Persian and German Timezone: Central European Time - CET
Content by this author
Middle East Overview: March 2025
Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and Yemen face significant unrest and conflict escalation.
Gaza: The expanded buffer zone poses a deadly threat to Palestinians despite ceasefire — Expert Comment
While the fragile ceasefire in Gaza continues under mounting strain, the situation along the buffer zone remains tense.
West Bank: Violence by the IDF in the West Bank increased by 14% in January amid the ceasefire in Gaza — Expert Comment
Nearly 70 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank amid rising violence and new security measures.
Middle East Overview: February 2025
Ceasefire agreements and violent incidents in Gaza, Lebanon, Red Sea, Syria, West Bank, and Yemen.
Lebanon: Despite extensive demolitions, Israel says its job isn't finished — Expert Comment
The continued presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon raises concerns about potential conflict, despite a ceasefire.
Middle East Overview: January 2025
Violence in Gaza decreased, tensions persist between Lebanon and Israel, Houthi confrontations rise.
A year of multi-front conflict: Israeli military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon
While the IDF has managed to inflict substantial damage on Hamas and Hezbollah, the prospects for lasting peace remain bleak.
Past events
Webinar | A perpetual state of war? An analysis of IDF and Palestinian armed group tactics in the West Bank and Gaza
Watch the recorded webinar held on 29 May 2025 for in-depth analysis of these developments, the evolving strategies of Palestinian armed groups, and the political dynamics driving the escalation — followed by a Q&A.
