Netanyahu Warns Enemies Against Testing Israel Near West Bank Border

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the seam line in the Samaria region on Tuesday, warning that Israel is prepared for any scenario, including "turning the tables." "Our enemies think of testing us in these days leading up to the elections," he stated, adding, "I do not suggest our enemies test us. You will encounter a power you have not dreamed of here."

Netanyahu toured the area with the Defense Minister, the National Security Advisor, and the commander of the Central Command. IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police commanders briefed him on defense efforts for the seam line communities and counter-terrorism operations in villages, including arrests of terrorists, confiscation of weapons, and threat neutralization. During the visit, Netanyahu referred to the Tulkarm refugee camp as a "former refugee camp," calling it a "terror fortress" that the IDF "cleansed" under his direction.

Addressing the possibility of returning residents to the camp, the Prime Minister criticized the Supreme Court, stating, "I heard someone in the Supreme Court says residents should be returned here. These are not residents, they are terrorists. Whoever will control this area and remain here is the Israel Defense Forces." He emphasized that there would be no "Arab army west of the Jordan" but rather the IDF. He also highlighted the area's proximity to central Israel, noting, "We are minutes from Netanya, minutes from the coast. The narrow waist of Israel will no longer be narrow. We are guarding from the Jordan to the sea. Our country, our control."

Netanyahu confirmed that threats exist in the region and that the IDF presented him and the Defense Minister with a "strong Gaza plan" to counter them. "I warn them that we are prepared for any scenario, including what is called turning the tables," he declared. He linked security operations to the establishment of new communities and farms in the area, stating, "We will continue to guard Israel's security here, on the seam line, everywhere. We are establishing settlements here, over 104, and many farms. We are guarding the security of the State of Israel."

Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking at a ceremony, addressed security threats, identifying attempts by enemies, primarily Iran and its proxies, to carry out attacks that could influence election results. He stressed the need for national unity against these threats, stating that political disputes should not undermine a united stance. Katz added that security forces would operate to defend the country at all times and places as needed, with decisions based solely on security requirements. "Anyone who attacks us, before or after the elections, will have their hand severed and will pay the heaviest price," he warned.