Defense Minister Israel Katz Warns of Imminent War Threat in West Bank

In a stark warning on Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz cautioned that the West Bank is on the brink of a potential war. The warning came during a meeting with local authorities, including Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth and Major General Ghassan Alian, head of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), N12 reported.

Katz highlighted that Hamas had originally intended to target West Bank communities during the October 7 attacks, signaling a broader threat to the region. Following a recent terror attack in the West Bank on Monday, Katz took to X (formerly Twitter), declaring that Israel would "not tolerate a Gaza-like reality in the West Bank." His remarks reflect growing concerns over escalating violence in the area.

During the meeting, Katz emphasized that the Defense Ministry is "preparing for a full-scale war situation." To address the rising tensions, the IDF will increase military activity and implement large-scale counterterrorism operations in key areas. Strict enforcement along major routes will also be a priority to curb any further attacks.

These measures are part of Israel's broader response to the growing security threats in the West Bank and surrounding regions. The IDF's actions aim to protect Israeli citizens while preventing the spread of extremist influence.

In addition to addressing immediate security concerns, the Defense Ministry has also focused on strengthening border security. In November, the Ministry announced the construction of a fence along the Israel-Jordan border to combat the rising smuggling of weapons, particularly from Iran to Palestinians in the West Bank. These weapons are often used in attacks, increasing the risk of further violence. The construction of this fence, which has been under development for years, is now considered a top priority due to the ongoing escalation.