Israeli Officials Demand Dismantling of Palestinian Authority After Deadly Attack

A severe terror attack at the Yitzhar Junction on Friday morning has prompted strong reactions from Israeli politicians, with calls to intensify counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir led the charge, demanding the dismantling and disarmament of the Palestinian Authority. He described the attack as a "bloody, difficult, and painful reminder of the price of miscalculation" and warned of an impending large-scale assault in Judea and Samaria, akin to the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. Ben-Gvir visited the scene and received a briefing from Acting Head of the Civil Administration, Brigadier General Eyal Malca. "We must dismantle the Palestinian Authority, disarm it, and completely eliminate terror infrastructure," Ben-Gvir stated, emphasizing that the Palestinian Authority's existence as a "terror state" alongside Israel is unacceptable and that Palestinian freedom of movement should not supersede Israelis' right to live.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the cancellation of all political events scheduled by the Likud party for Friday morning. Meanwhile, Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer criticized the "policy of containment against terror," advocating for Israeli sovereignty, the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority, and the annulment of the Oslo Accords. Kroizer also pointed to the delayed implementation of a death penalty law for terrorists as a hindrance to deterrence. Similarly, MK Avigdor Lieberman decried the "policy of containment" and insisted that "terror must be eliminated, not contained."

Gadi Eisenkot praised the swift response of security forces, noting that according to IDF assessments, the soldiers' actions prevented a larger attack on civilians. He commended the efforts of all security forces operating day and night to ensure Israel's safety. The "Habaita" forum also called for a policy shift in Judea and Samaria, warning of potential widespread attacks and urging the seizure of open areas in Areas A and B, the cancellation of the Oslo Accords, and extensive operations to locate weapons and thwart terror.

The attack resulted in five casualties, including two critically injured. The two assailants were neutralized by IDF commanders who responded to the scene. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir reported that a significant amount of ammunition intended for a larger-scale attack was found in the attackers' vehicle, underscoring that the soldiers' intervention prevented further harm to civilians and security forces.