Retired General Warns of West Bank Attack on Israel
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Retired Major General Gershon Hacohen warns of a potential large-scale surprise attack from the West Bank, similar to October 7th, stating that the Palestinian Authority has over 60,000 fighters. He argues that Israeli communities, including cities like Kfar Saba and Netanya, are not adequately prepared for such an assault. Hacohen calls for significant improvements in community defenses, including architectural changes and interconnected fortifications, to prevent a potential massacre. He believes current defensive measures are insufficient and historical preparedness models should be re-examined.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Retired Major General Gershon Hacohen warns of a potential October 7th-style attack from the West Bank.
- He states the Palestinian Authority has over 60,000 fighters who could turn against Israel.
- Hacohen argues Israeli communities, including Kfar Saba and Netanya, are not adequately prepared for such an assault.
- He criticizes the lack of robust defensive structures and calls for communities to become fortresses.
- The retired general believes current IDF plans are insufficient and historical defensive models should be adopted.
- He warns that cities and communities near the West Bank are vulnerable to attack.
Retired Major General Gershon Hacohen has issued a stark warning regarding the possibility of a surprise attack originating from the West Bank, drawing parallels to the October 7th events. He asserts that the Palestinian Authority possesses over 60,000 fighters, a number that significantly exceeds expectations from the Oslo Accords, and warns that these forces could turn against Israel. Hacohen argues that despite improved IDF operations against terror organizations in recent years, Israeli communities remain unprepared for a large-scale assault.
He highlights that the motivation and capability for such an attack exist, citing the Palestinian Authority's military training in countries like Russia and Pakistan. Hacohen points to the IDF's recent operations in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams as evidence of improved counter-terrorism capabilities but stresses the persistent threat of a "barrel inversion scenario," where Palestinian forces could act against Israel.
Hacohen further warns that cities like Kfar Saba and Netanya, as well as communities in the Jezreel Valley, Beit She'an Valley, and south of Hebron, could be targeted. He draws historical parallels, referencing Moshe Dayan's criticism of inadequate defenses in 1948, and contends that current community defenses, such as ditches and communication networks, are insufficient. He criticizes the reluctance of communities to implement robust defensive measures, stating they prefer to appear "like a pleasant village in Denmark."
The retired general advocates for a fundamental shift in architectural design for defense, including fortified basements and protected internal courtyards, similar to historical defensive structures. He emphasizes that preparation for defense is as crucial as preparation for offense, and that communities need to be transformed into fortresses. Hacohen believes that current plans by the Central Command are insufficient and that a system of interconnected defensive positions, like those that existed before 1967, is necessary. He also suggests that cities near the West Bank, like Kfar Saba, should be capable of organizing their own defense, akin to the pre-state Haganah.
Hacohen concludes by stating that while the goal is to build a life of creativity and culture, preparedness for confrontation is essential. He calls for a reevaluation of the defensive capabilities of communities, especially those on the front lines, to ensure they can withstand a significant attack.
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