Israeli Ministers Demand Tougher Measures in West Bank Amid Rising Violence

During a government meeting held in response to recent events in the West Bank, several Israeli ministers called for a harsher approach to combating terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the session by stating he had instructed security forces to enter villages, conduct searches, seize weapons, and arrest suspects. He emphasized that operations were ongoing and Israel was prepared to take broader action against terrorist cells.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch urged changes to the rules of engagement, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded a return to targeted killings and loosening of firing protocols to allow IDF soldiers to open fire in such incidents. Defense Minister Israel Katz responded that the IDF was already operating vigorously, conducting raids in refugee camps and making arrests, with further actions likely.

Brigadier General Bar Sheshet highlighted the difficulty soldiers face in distinguishing terrorists from civilians during mixed incidents. Other ministers, including Nir Barkat, Ze'ev Elkin, and Amichai Shikli, called for stricter and even disproportionate responses, with Shikli specifically demanding that the Central Command change the rules of engagement. Ben-Gvir reiterated his hardline stance, referencing recent legal attempts to remove him from office due to his controversial statements advocating lethal force against terrorists, asserting this should be the IDF's policy as well.