Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered preparations for a large-scale attack if the security situation in the West Bank deteriorates significantly and credible intelligence is obtained indicating that Palestinian Authority forces or affiliated groups are preparing a large-scale attack similar to October 7.
Katz’s statement came after reports of a stabbing targeting one of the Israelis described as having seized Palestinian land in the Usarin area near Nablus. The Israeli army said the attacker fled the scene and was later apprehended and neutralized in the Qabalan area.
Options announced for the West Bank
Under Katz’s plan, Israel could target senior Palestinian Authority officials, security units and facilities it describes as “terror infrastructure” in the West Bank.
In addition to targeted killings, the plan includes options for forcibly removing Palestinians from cities and villages and making Israel’s military presence in the occupied territories permanent. Katz compared this possibility with the zones of occupation established in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as previous attacks on the Jenin refugee camp and northern West Bank.
“We will not allow a return to the prolonged intifada of the past.”
Katz said the plan would be implemented only if the security situation deteriorates significantly and intelligence is obtained indicating that Palestinian Authority forces or affiliated groups are preparing a major attack.
The Israeli defense minister also said that the current policy in the West Bank is based on three priorities: “combating Palestinian terrorism,” expanding Jewish settlements and maintaining security stability.