Israel Defense Minister Orders IDF to Prepare for War with Palestinian Authority

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed on Monday that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for a broad military campaign if Palestinian security forces in the West Bank attempt an offensive. Katz's remarks followed a stabbing attack near the settlement of Ma'oz Yehuda in the West Bank, where an Israeli national was moderately to severely wounded.

Katz stated that Israel's policy in the West Bank is clear: to pursue Palestinian terrorism vigorously, strengthen Jewish settlement, and maintain security stability. He asserted that terrorism in the West Bank is currently at its lowest level in decades and that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent its resurgence.

"We will not allow a return to the reality of a prolonged intifada over years as in the past," Katz declared. He elaborated that if Palestinian Authority security mechanisms or affiliated groups initiate a terror attack similar to the October 7th attacks against IDF forces and Jewish settlements, or if there is certainty that such an attack is imminent, the IDF has been ordered to prepare for a comprehensive war against PA leadership, its mechanisms, and all terror infrastructure in the West Bank.

Katz outlined potential actions, including targeted assassinations of senior figures, evacuation of residents from areas where terror attacks originate, destruction of terror infrastructure, and continued IDF presence in evacuated areas. He drew parallels to operations conducted in Gaza, Lebanon, and the Jenin refugee camp.