Israel Warns of War Against PA If West Bank Violence Escalates

Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed during a government meeting on Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a scenario where Palestinian Authority security forces and affiliated Tanzim organizations might turn their weapons against Israeli settlers and IDF soldiers in the West Bank. Katz stated that such an event, termed "turning of the barrels," would trigger a declaration of war against the Palestinian Authority.

Katz outlined a swift and powerful military response, involving ground and air forces, special operations, the elimination and expulsion of senior figures, destruction of weapons, and extensive evacuation of residents. Infrastructure of terror within cities and refugee camps in Judea and Samaria would be demolished, drawing parallels to operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The goal, he emphasized, is a decisive and short conflict, not a prolonged intifada, aiming to fundamentally alter the reality on the ground while reinforcing defenses for Israeli communities.

The defense minister also addressed the escalating attacks by PA police and the IDF's readiness for this specific scenario. He noted that the IDF is preparing for potential attacks by jihadist elements on settlers and soldiers, learning from the October 7th events in Gaza. The IDF is actively targeting terror hubs, including clearing refugee camps in the northern West Bank, and Katz asserted that terror activity has been reduced to its lowest level in decades, despite ongoing challenges.