Israel Mulls Palestinian Authority Dismantlement After Hebron Shooting

Following a shooting incident near Hebron, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an immediate military cordon around Hebron and preparations for a full closure of the West Bank. Ben-Gvir stated that the incident validated his long-held positions, arguing that a "terror state" should not exist in Judea and Samaria, the Israeli term for the West Bank. He insisted on halting shared movement between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank, asserting that Palestinian freedom of movement is less important than the right to life. He reiterated his demand for the Palestinian Authority's dissolution, emphasizing that a "terrorist authority" cannot coexist with Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu reported concluding a security assessment with the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, Shin Bet chief, National Security Council head, and Central Command chief. He commended Israeli forces for their actions in preventing a larger attack and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. Netanyahu ordered the IDF and security forces to impose an immediate military cordon on Hebron and prepare for a complete West Bank closure starting that day. He added that Israeli forces are conducting widespread arrest campaigns to thwart terrorism and vowed to pursue Hamas members and their backers relentlessly, stating they would have "no place to hide."