Defense Minister Israel Katz told the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the IDF is conducting intensive operations in northern Samaria and preparing for a scenario of all-out war against the Palestinian Authority if its security forces turn their weapons on Israeli forces and civilians. Katz outlined a detailed war plan, approved by Prime Minister Netanyahu, modeled on the Gaza and Lebanon campaigns — involving ground and air forces, destruction of terror infrastructure, and evacuation of areas. Terror levels in Judea and Samaria are at their lowest in decades, he said, but the jihadist threat and risk of a PA reversal of arms remain significant challenges.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday provided the cabinet with a detailed operational scenario for Judea and Samaria, warning that the IDF is preparing for a possible all-out war against the Palestinian Authority. Katz defined two reference scenarios: continued operations against jihadist terror cells, which he said have reduced terror to its lowest level in decades, and a 'reversal of arms' by PA security forces and affiliated tanzim organizations.
In the latter case, Katz stated that Israel would declare war on the PA and launch a comprehensive offensive following a plan approved by Prime Minister Netanyahu. The campaign, modeled on the Gaza and Lebanon operations, would involve ground and air forces, special operations, elimination and exile of senior figures, destruction of weapons, and extensive evacuation of Palestinian residents and infrastructure.
The briefing expands on a warning Katz issued earlier in the day (14:36) that an attack by PA forces would be met with an immediate declaration of war and full-scale IDF offensive. It also aligns with Katz's repeated assertion in recent months that Israel will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and northern Samaria, and that the lessons of October 7 demand proactive territorial control.
No immediate change in PA posture was reported. The scenario remains a contingency, though the explicit articulation of a detailed war plan marks a notable shift in public signaling.
6 developments
- DevelopingKatz warns war with Iran could erupt today; Israel prepares to defend alone
- StrongKatz on 'turning the tables' scenario: If PA opens war, Israel will evacuate cities
- StrongDefense Minister: Israel will launch all-out war if PA turns weapons against us
- DevelopingIsrael's Katz: Campaign against Iran far from over; IDF ready to strike Iran with great force
Source and signal
- Open-source intake