Katz threatens 'all-out war' on PA over West Bank 'October 7-style attack' terror threat to Israel

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ordered the Israeli military to prepare for an "all-out war" against the Palestinian Authority (PA) if it is determined that the organization is planning or about to launch an "October 7-style" attack on Israeli forces or Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The warning comes amid heightened tensions following a stabbing attack at a West Bank farming outpost, which left one person injured. Katz stated that if the security apparatuses of the PA and affiliated bodies launch, or are known to be preparing, an attack resembling the October 7 assault by Hamas on Israel, the IDF will take action against senior PA officials, associated organizations, and all terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria. The directive includes measures such as the elimination of key figures, the evacuation of residents from areas used for terrorist activities, and the destruction of terrorist facilities. The IDF will maintain a permanent presence in these regions. The threat follows a stabbing incident near the Maoz Yehuda Farm in Kusra, where a Palestinian was arrested and later killed by Israeli forces. The victim sustained moderate to severe injuries. Netanyahu praised the soldiers involved in the operation, stating, "No terrorist can hide." He reiterated the commitment to eliminating terrorists, hunting down their handlers, and destroying terrorist infrastructure in the region. Since Sunday, the IDF has conducted several exercises to assess readiness for potential attacks, including Operation Dawn 2.0 and others in the Eilat area and along Israel's western border. These drills simulate scenarios involving an October 7-style attack, emphasizing rapid response capabilities. The situation in the West Bank remains volatile. On Sunday, troops from the Menashe Brigade discovered rockets and weapons, including an M16 rifle and explosives, during an operation in Aqaba, northern Samaria. This operation followed a series of thwarted attacks, including the arrest of a five-member terrorist cell in Qabatiya, which was assessed to be preparing for a major attack in the northern West Bank. The PA faces growing challenges, including an economic and legitimacy crisis, with many Palestinians perceiving it as corrupt and ineffective. The organization is increasingly viewed as aligned with Israeli interests rather than representing Palestinian aspirations. Its ability to control territories it is meant to govern has diminished, especially in areas where Israeli settlers exert influence. Katz emphasized that the proposed military campaign would mirror strategies used in Gaza and southern Lebanon, potentially leading to the displacement of entire cities in the West Bank. This approach reflects the broader Israeli government's stance toward combating Palestinian terrorism while reinforcing Jewish settlements and maintaining regional security stability. The PA's role under the Oslo Accords is to manage parts of the West Bank until a Palestinian state is established. However, despite historical cooperation with Israel on security matters, the current political climate suggests a significant shift in the relationship. The PA's weakened position has made it more vulnerable to accusations of supporting militant groups, even as it continues to engage with Israeli authorities. Recent violence in the West Bank has escalated, partly due to the aftermath of Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have increased, often without facing legal repercussions. This environment has contributed to the current high level of tension and the government's hardened stance toward the PA. As the situation develops, the Israeli military's readiness for potential conflict remains a focal point, with ongoing operations aimed at preventing and responding to threats. The outcome of these developments will likely shape the future dynamics between Israel and the PA in the region.