Israeli security officials have reportedly warned that the region could be approaching a broader Palestinian uprising resembling the First Intifada.
By United with Israel Staff
Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to expand its counterterrorism campaign in Judea and Samaria and prepare to seize another Palestinian refugee camp, following a series of deadly terror attacks and growing concerns over escalating violence in the region.
During a security assessment Tuesday, Katz directed the military to prepare for the operation using the same model employed in the terror strongholds of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, where residents were evacuated, terrorist infrastructure was dismantled, and Israeli forces have maintained a long-term presence.
The meeting was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, senior military commanders, Shin Bet representatives, Israel Police officials, and other defense leaders.
According to Katz’s office, the expanded campaign follows a strategy introduced with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s backing when Katz became defense minister. The office said the policy has contributed to an approximately 80% reduction in terrorist activity during 2025 and continuing through 2026.
The move comes after a recent wave of attacks in Judea and Samaria, including the fatal shooting near Havat Gilad that killed two Israelis, as well as other attempted attacks and an increase in intelligence warnings about terrorist activity.
Israeli security officials have reportedly warned that the region could be approaching a broader Palestinian uprising resembling the First Intifada, citing a growing willingness among Palestinians to carry out spontaneous attacks, confront Israeli forces, and target nearby Jewish communities.
Israeli officials have also warned that Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorist groups are seeking to turn Judea and Samaria into another active front against Israel.
The IDF has conducted months of large-scale operations across northern Samaria, targeting terrorist networks, weapons caches, explosives laboratories, and underground infrastructure in an effort to prevent further attacks.
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