Israeli Leaders Threaten War on Terror Groups in West Bank After Deadly Attack
Israeli leaders are vowing to launch a war on terror groups in the West Bank following a shooting attack that claimed the lives of three Israelis on Monday. Defense Minister Israel Katz, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, issued strong statements regarding Israel’s response to the attack, instructing the military to increase its presence in the West Bank.
“The despicable attack that took place here yesterday is an act of war in every sense and will be met with a proportional response,” Katz stated at the scene of the shooting. “We will act decisively against the perpetrators, their supporters, and those who facilitate such acts.”
The West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence over the past year, with Hamas launching attacks on Israel and the Israeli military conducting counter-terror operations in the region. The Palestinian Authority has also been engaged in combating terrorist cells in the West Bank.
Amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Lebanon and Gaza, some Israeli leaders are calling for an intensified military focus on the West Bank. Reports indicate that local Israeli settlers are urging for a broader military campaign in the region.
Notably, far-right leaders in Israel are advocating for a tougher stance against Palestinian terror groups in the West Bank, with some calling for permanent Israeli control over the territory. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned of escalated conflict in the West Bank if efforts to end hostilities in Gaza continue.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, overseeing civilian affairs in West Bank settlements, suggested that major Palestinian cities in the region should face similar military actions as seen in Gaza. He also called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the need to combat terrorism effectively.
“The threat posed by terror in the West Bank, Gaza, and Iran is the same and must be addressed decisively,” Smotrich emphasized. “Relying on the Palestinian Authority for security is a risk that could result in further violence against Israeli citizens.”
As tensions escalate in the West Bank, Israeli leaders are considering a more aggressive approach to combatting terrorism in the region, signaling a potential shift in military strategy.