West Bank Council Head Urges Aggressive Response to Terror Wave

Israel Gantz, head of the Samaria and Benjamin Regional Councils, has called for a significantly more aggressive response to the current wave of terror attacks, following a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a recent attack on Route 443. Gantz proposed measures such as expelling residents from villages from which terrorists emerge, conducting house-to-house searches for weapons, and only then reopening the area. He emphasized the need for more aggressive actions beyond simply increasing troop presence to quell the escalating violence.

Gantz believes that Netanyahu understood the severity of the situation and expects operational steps to be taken soon. He asserted that the Prime Minister prioritizes Israel's security above international pressure, citing Netanyahu's decisions regarding Rafah and Iran as examples. Gantz also advocated for extending Israeli sovereignty to Areas A and B in the West Bank and establishing new settlements, arguing these actions would enhance security and help curb terrorism.

Regarding the factors fueling the current terror wave, Gantz pointed to a combination of pressures within the Arab street, the Palestinian Authority's encouragement of terror, the perception of Iran successfully confronting the US, and Turkish involvement. He also acknowledged that the upcoming elections, both in Israel and the US midterms, might be influencing Palestinian actions, with the PA potentially aiming to destabilize Netanyahu's government.

Despite the heightened security concerns, Gantz urged residents not to alter their holiday plans. He encouraged continued travel and enjoyment of historical sites and natural springs, assuring that the military is reinforcing forces and maintaining dialogue with regional commanders. Gantz stated his intention to continue touring strategic high points in the West Bank, emphasizing the need to settle these areas to improve security.