Israel Warns of Full-Scale West Bank War if Palestinian Authority Turns Arms on Israelis

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that Israel is preparing for a "total war" in the West Bank if Palestinian Authority security forces turn their weapons against Israelis or launch terror attacks. The declaration comes just a month before Israeli elections and follows a stabbing attack at the Ma'oz Yehuda farm in the West Bank, where a 20-year-old was injured. Katz specified that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he have instructed the IDF to prepare for a comprehensive military campaign if the Palestinian Authority or affiliated groups initiate attacks, particularly "terror attacks in the style of October 7th" against IDF forces or Jewish settlements.

The proposed military operation would involve targeted assassinations of PA officials, destruction of terror infrastructure, and the evacuation of residents from Palestinian cities and villages from which hostile activity originates. IDF forces would remain in evacuated areas. Katz likened this plan to the intense military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and the refugee camps in northern Samaria, emphasizing that Israel will not permit a return to the reality of a prolonged intifada or another October 7th.

Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Katz also sought to reassure, noting that terror activity in the West Bank is currently at its lowest level in decades. He affirmed the current policy of vigorously pursuing Palestinian terror, strengthening Jewish settlement, and maintaining security stability. The defense minister also referenced heightened tensions on the Iranian front, having recently warned that increased pressure on Tehran could lead to direct attacks against Israel. He stated that Israel's air force is prepared to operate in Iran if necessary, vowing a powerful response if attacked, and cautioned about Iran's tendency to time attacks around Israeli holidays.