Israel Prepares for War with Palestinian Authority Over Security Forces

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a potential scenario where Palestinian Authority security forces might turn their weapons against Israeli soldiers and residents of Judea and Samaria. Speaking at a government meeting, Katz stated that if the Palestinian Authority's security structures "turn their weapons," Israel would declare war and launch a large-scale military operation against its leadership, security forces, and terrorist infrastructure. He confirmed that a plan for such an event has been developed and approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Katz described the potential operation as a "short and powerful military campaign" aimed at a "decisive change in reality." The plan, as presented by Katz, could involve the elimination of high-ranking Palestinian security and leadership figures, the destruction of weapons depots and military infrastructure, the large-scale evacuation of residents from areas where terrorist activity originates, and the demolition of terrorist infrastructure in Arab cities and camps in Judea and Samaria. Israeli troops would remain in the "liberated territories" afterward.

The Defense Minister emphasized that Israel will not permit a repeat of situations where the terrorist threat in Judea and Samaria gradually escalates into a prolonged conflict. He warned that if Palestinian security forces attempt an attack similar to October 7th against the IDF and Israeli settlements, the response would be massive. "There will be no multi-year intifada, as happened in the past, but a short and powerful war with a clear solution and a change in reality," Katz asserted.

These warnings come amid ongoing concerns within Israel's security establishment about the possibility of tens of thousands of armed Palestinian Authority security personnel using their weapons against Israel. The IDF has previously stated it is preparing for such developments, with the Judea and Samaria command having already practiced relevant action plans. The security system views a large-scale revolt by Palestinian Authority security forces as significantly more dangerous than a typical wave of terrorist attacks.

Katz also cited persistent terrorist activity in Judea and Samaria as a reason for the renewed statements, noting that while current terrorism levels are the lowest in decades, Israel intends to take all necessary measures to prevent any resurgence.