Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Israel is preparing for the possibility of an all-out campaign against the ‘Palestinian’ Authority and its security forces if they launch—or Israel determines they are preparing to launch—an Oct. 7-style terror attack against IDF forces and Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Katz made the remarks following a stabbing attack at the Maoz Yehuda Farm in Samaria, in which a man in his 20s was wounded.
1+“If there is a turning of the guns, and the ‘Palestinian’ Authority security forces and affiliated bodies launch—or we know with certainty that they are about to launch—an Oct. 7-style terror attack against IDF forces and Jewish communities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to prepare for an all-out war,” Katz declared.
According to the defense minister, such a campaign would target senior PA officials, its security forces, affiliated organizations and terror infrastructure throughout Judea and Samaria, with the goal of bringing about “their complete defeat as quickly as possible.” Katz also detailed measures Israel could take in the event of a major escalation, including targeted eliminations of senior figures, evacuating residents from cities and villages used to carry out terror activity, eliminating terrorists, destroying terror infrastructure and maintaining an IDF presence in evacuated areas.
1+He said the approach would resemble Israeli operations in security zones in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as in the refugee camps of Jenin and northern Samaria. “We will not allow a return to the reality of a prolonged intifada lasting for years, as happened in the past,” Katz stressed. “We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7, and we will ensure the security of Israel’s residents and communities everywhere.”
The comments came following the stabbing attack at Maoz Yehuda Farm. Katz wished the wounded Israeli a speedy recovery and vowed: “The IDF will pursue and capture the terrorist.” Katz added that Israel’s policy in Judea and Samaria is to “vigorously pursue ‘Palestinian’ terrorism, develop and strengthen Jewish communities and maintain security stability.” According to Katz, terrorism in Judea and Samaria is currently at its lowest level in decades, and Israel will act to prevent it from “raising its head again.”