Can solenoids operate in two directions, i.e. both push and pull?

Solenoids only operate in one direction.

• When the solenoid coil is energized, a fixed internal component (called the stop) becomes magnetized, thereby attracting a moving component (called the plunger).
• This magnetic attraction creates a pulling motion, moving the plunger toward the stop.

Reversing either the current or the polarity of a solenoid does not reverse the direction of the plunger’s movement