Netanyahu Warns of Palestinian Security Forces Turning Weapons on Israelis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a renewed warning about potential threats from adversaries in the days leading up to the upcoming elections. During a visit to the Samaria region on Tuesday, October 13, Netanyahu stated that Israel is preparing for a scenario where Palestinian security forces might turn their weapons against Israeli soldiers and civilians. He cautioned that any attempt to test Israel's strength would be met with overwhelming force. This warning was delivered during a joint visit with Defense Minister Israel Katz and security officials near Tulkarm, where IDF, Shin Bet, and border police commanders briefed the prime minister on counter-terrorism measures and settlement defense plans.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about an alleged attempted hijacking on a Flydubai flight on September 30, where the co-pilot reportedly tried to steer the plane toward Ben Gurion Airport. However, no connection has been established between Netanyahu's warning and this incident. Unlike previous general warnings about potential attacks or Hamas's attempts to influence the elections, Netanyahu specifically outlined the "turning of weapons" scenario and emphasized the heightened danger in the immediate period.

This specific scenario involves Palestinian Authority security personnel, responsible for maintaining order and security coordination with Israel, directing their firearms against Israelis. Concerns are particularly high regarding a potential large-scale escalation in Judea and Samaria, possibly involving armed individuals linked to Palestinian security structures. Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously stated that Israel would declare war on the Palestinian Authority and launch a major military operation in response to such an attack.

The "turning of weapons" scenario is not purely hypothetical, as it occurred 30 years ago in September 1996. Following the opening of a new exit at the Western Wall Tunnels, widespread clashes erupted, spreading to Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip. During those three days of fighting, Palestinian police opened fire on Israeli forces, resulting in the deaths of 17 Israeli soldiers, including Colonel Nebia Marei. These events marked a significant turning point in Israeli-Palestinian security relations post-Oslo Accords.

Despite Netanyahu's stark warning, it remains unclear if there is specific intelligence indicating an imminent threat. Earlier in September, reports suggested the IDF lacked concrete intelligence about Palestinian security forces preparing to "turn their weapons." While the army was preparing for such a possibility, details about the immediacy of the threat have not been publicly disclosed. Netanyahu had previously issued warnings on September 29 and October 6 about potential election-related attacks by Israel's adversaries and Hamas's possible interference.