The Israel Defense Force confirmed Sunday that it has deployed tanks to the West Bank as it expands counter-terrorism operations in Jenin.

Israel’s military sent tanks into the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than two decades as it expanded operations in the territory on Sunday in a move decried by Palestinian authorities as an escalation of aggression.

JENIN, West Bank (AP) — Israeli tanks have moved into Jenin in the occupied West Bank, shortly after the defense minister said troops will remain “for the coming year” in parts of the Palestinian territory. Associated Press journalists saw a handful of tanks move Sunday into Jenin, long a bastion of armed struggle against Israel.