Netanyahu Warns of 'Turning Guns' Scenario, Vows Strong Response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning on Tuesday regarding a potential "turning guns" scenario in Judea and Samaria, stating Israel is prepared for all eventualities. During a tour of the seam line in Samaria, near the former refugee camp of Tulkarm, Netanyahu declared, "We are prepared for any scenario, including turning guns. In such a case, I do not suggest our enemies try us. You will encounter a power you have not dreamed of."

The Prime Minister's remarks echo a similar warning made by Defense Minister Katz a week prior. Katz had presented a scenario to the government where the Palestinian Authority's apparatus and affiliated Tanzim organizations might turn their weapons against Israeli settlers and IDF forces in Judea, Samaria, and along the seam line. In such an event, Katz stated, a war would be declared against the Palestinian Authority, and the IDF would launch a comprehensive offensive.

Netanyahu, accompanied by the Minister of Defense and IDF officers, visited the seam line area, which he described as a former "terror fortress" that the IDF had "cleaned up." He emphasized that Israel's defense efforts and recent counter-terrorism operations in the area were presented to him during the tour.

Furthermore, Netanyahu claimed that concrete intelligence exists about attempts to harm the State of Israel, particularly in the lead-up to elections. "Our enemies think of trying us in these days leading up to the elections," he stated, reiterating his warning of a powerful response. He asserted that the Israel Defense Forces would control the area west of the Jordan River, not an Arab army, and that the "narrow waist" of Israel would no longer be narrow.