Defense Minister Katz Orders Expanded Offensive Operations Against Terror in West Bank

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz convened a special security meeting with top officials to review the situation in the West Bank and outline new counterterrorism measures. Katz instructed security forces to significantly intensify offensive actions against Palestinian terror groups attempting to regain strength. He specifically ordered preparations for the takeover of another refugee camp, following the operational model used in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams, where camps were cleared of residents, terror infrastructure dismantled, and Israeli forces stationed permanently to prevent reestablishment of militant cells.

This aggressive approach, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Katz assumed office, has reportedly led to an approximately 80% reduction in terror activities in 2025 and continues to be effective in 2026. Israeli forces will maintain a proactive and forceful posture to ensure the security of Israeli citizens and settlers in the West Bank.

The meeting also addressed a recent military appeals committee decision to overturn an administrative expulsion order against settler Tal Yinon Dradik. The original order, issued by the Central Command chief based on Shin Bet recommendations, was canceled due to significant procedural flaws. Katz directed that the harsh administrative order not be reinstated, opting instead to handle the matter through alternative means.