The comments came shortly after a Palestinian terrorist stabbed an Israeli man in Samaria on Monday morning.
By United with Israel Staff
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Monday that Israel is prepared to launch a “full-scale war” against Palestinian Authority leaders and terror groups in Judea and Samaria if necessary, following a stabbing attack that left an Israeli seriously wounded.
“I wish a speedy recovery to the victim of the stabbing attack in Samaria,” Katz said, adding that Israel’s policy in Judea and Samaria is “to vigorously pursue Palestinian terrorism, develop and strengthen Jewish settlement, and maintain security stability.”
Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the IDF to prepare for a far-reaching military campaign if the security situation deteriorates.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to prepare for the possibility of launching a full-scale war against the leaders and mechanisms of the Palestinian Authority and the organizations associated with them, as well as against all terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, in order to quickly bring about their complete defeat,” Katz said.
“We will not allow a return to the reality of a prolonged intifada lasting for years, as happened in the past,” he added. “We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7, and we will ensure the security of Israel’s citizens and communities everywhere.”
The comments came hours after a Palestinian terrorist stabbed an Israeli man in his 20s near the village of Usarin in Samaria on Monday morning.
According to the victim’s account, the terrorist arrived at a farm in a commercial vehicle, asked the Israeli where his weapon was and then attacked him with a knife, stabbing him multiple times before fleeing.
The victim suffered penetrating wounds to his back, head and chest and was evacuated to Beilinson Hospital in serious condition.
IDF troops launched a large-scale manhunt, setting up roadblocks and surrounding villages throughout the area. About an hour later, soldiers located the terrorist near his vehicle in the area of Idhna.
The IDF said the terrorist attempted to stab the troops who confronted him. A company commander from the 411th Battalion opened fire and killed him.
Netanyahu praised the soldiers who tracked down the attacker and warned that Israel would continue targeting terrorists and those behind them.
“No terrorist has a hiding place,” Netanyahu said. “I commend our heroic soldiers who engaged and eliminated the terrorist who carried out the attack in Samaria.”
“We will continue to eliminate terrorists, pursue those who send them and destroy terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria,” he added. “Anyone who tries to threaten the State of Israel and its citizens will pay a heavy price.”
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