Israel Prepares for 'Turning Guns' Scenario in West Bank, Defense Minister Warns
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Defense Minister stated that Israel is preparing for a scenario where Palestinian Authority forces could turn their weapons against Israel in the West Bank. He warned that if this happens, Israel's response would be a "total campaign," similar to actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Ministers Amichai Eliyahu, Almog Cohen, and Nir Barkat raised concerns about the threat during a government meeting. The Defense Minister assured that the IDF is undertaking unprecedented preparations for this "turning guns" possibility, while also noting the current security situation in the West Bank is strong.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Defense Minister warned of a "total campaign" if Palestinian forces turn weapons on Israel in the West Bank.
- The IDF is preparing for an unprecedented "turning guns" scenario in the West Bank, the Defense Minister stated.
- Ministers voiced concerns about Palestinian Authority training and potential weapon redirection during a government meeting.
- Deputy Minister Almog Cohen also raised concerns about weapons within the Bedouin community.
- Minister Nir Barkat compared current West Bank fears to failures before the October 7th attacks.
- The Defense Minister asserted the current West Bank security situation is the best in 30 years.
Defense Minister revealed that the Israeli military is preparing for a scenario where Palestinian Authority security forces could turn their weapons against Israel in the West Bank, a situation referred to as "turning guns." During a government meeting commemorating three years since the October 7th massacre, ministers expressed concerns about the escalating security threat in the West Bank and the possibility of such a scenario.
Minister issued a stern warning, stating, "If anyone dares to point a weapon at us, what we did in Gaza and Lebanon will come to the West Bank. We will not treat it with tweezers but with a total campaign." He emphasized that the IDF's preparations for this "turning guns" scenario are unprecedented.
Minister Amichai Eliyahu voiced his alarm, noting that he lives near Jericho and witnesses the Palestinian Authority's training exercises and hears pronouncements about "turning guns." He questioned why Israel was waiting for a repeat of the Hamas attack.
Deputy Minister Almog Cohen echoed these concerns, extending the worry to weapons held within the Bedouin community, asking about the actions of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Minister Nir Barkat also joined the warnings, drawing parallels between the current apprehension in the West Bank and the intelligence failures preceding the October 7th attacks.
Despite the concerns, the Defense Minister asserted that the current security situation in the West Bank is better than it has been in the last 30 years, adding that the defense establishment is preparing for all potential scenarios.
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