Israel Defense Minister Outlines IDF War Plan Against Palestinian Authority

Israeli Defense Minister Исраэль Кац revealed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a potential war scenario with the Palestinian Authority (PA). The plan, developed and approved by Кац and Prime Minister Биньямин Нетаниягу, addresses a situation where PA security forces and the associated "Tanzim" organization might direct weapons against Israeli settlers and soldiers in Judea and Samaria. The IDF's baseline scenario also considers threats from jihadist groups, with lessons learned from the October 7th attacks informing these preparations.

According to Кац, if an attack originates from PA forces, Israel will declare war on the PA. Subsequently, the IDF would launch a large-scale military operation in Judea and Samaria. This operation would involve ground and air forces, special units, the elimination and expulsion of high-ranking officials, and the destruction of weapons caches and terrorist infrastructure. Some areas might require significant civilian evacuations.

Кац drew parallels between the planned actions and Israel's past operations in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized that such a conflict should not devolve into a prolonged intifada, stating, "There will not be a multi-year intifada, as it was in the past, but a short and decisive war with a clear solution and a change in reality." This warning follows a similar statement from Кац last month about the possibility of "full-scale war" with the PA if an attack comparable to Hamas's October 7th assault were prepared.

The defense minister's stance differs from some within the Israeli government, who view PA President Махмуд Аббас's administration and PA security forces as crucial in combating terrorism in Judea and Samaria. Tensions are currently high across multiple fronts, including Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and Judea and Samaria.