Defense Minister Israel Katz said the aggressive security policy has reduced Palestinian terror attacks by over 80%, and vowed to strengthen and expand agricultural farms and settlements in Judea and Samaria in response to the terror attack that wounded Itamar Cohen near Alon Moreh. Katz also wished Cohen a speedy recovery and praised security forces for eliminating the terrorists.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has expanded his response to the terror attack near Alon Moreh, now vowing to strengthen and expand settlements and agricultural farms in Judea and Samaria. Katz reiterated his claim that the IDF's aggressive policy has reduced Palestinian terrorism by over 80%. The announcement came as Katz wished a speedy recovery to Itamar Cohen, who was seriously wounded in the attack. The Zioneer reported Katz's initial statement at 12:29 Jerusalem, in which he praised the security forces for eliminating the terrorists.
The story began unfolding earlier today. At 12:29 Jerusalem, Magen David Adom reported a 51-year-old Jewish man seriously wounded. Within minutes, the victim was identified as Itamar Cohen, a founder of agricultural farms in the region. Security forces neutralized the two attackers. Katz's initial statement, issued via N12, confirmed the elimination and expressed support for Cohen. The latest remarks build on that initial response, adding a settlement expansion pledge.
The pledge to expand settlements aligns with Katz's broader security doctrine. As The Zioneer reported on June 19, Katz vowed a decisive response to any Hezbollah ceasefire violation, and on July 1, he stated the IDF would remain in security zones indefinitely. The government has consistently framed settlement expansion as a deterrent to terrorism. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir similarly claimed an 85% reduction in attacks during a Temple Mount visit earlier today, as The Zioneer reported.
Cohen remains in serious condition. No further details on the attack circumstances have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
8 developments
- StrongBen Gvir: 'Jews are the ones in charge here,' claims 85% terror cut
- StrongMinister Ben Gvir wishes speedy recovery to Itamar Cohen, who killed terrorists in Judea and Samaria attack
- DevelopingKatz: 'Whoever raises a hand against Israel will pay a price; we won't leave security zones'
- StrongDefense Minister Katz: Jewish settlement in Gaza on agenda, over 300 terrorists killed since Operation Roaring Lion
Source and signal
- Internal intake