Israel Katz, the Israeli Defense Minister, has issued an order to prepare for a possible war following warnings from security officials about the likelihood of armed confrontation with the forces of the Palestinian Authority and the 'Aqsa Martyrs Brigade' (the military wing of Fatah). This decision comes as Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right cabinet minister, has called for the complete disarmament of the Palestinian Authority.
Widespread Damage and Rising Tensions
The United Nations has reported that Israeli military operations in northern West Bank have displaced over 33,000 Palestinians and caused extensive damage to three refugee camps since January 2025. The right-wing pro-settlement website 'Makor Rishon' quoted Katz as saying that the Israeli army is preparing for a scenario in which the security forces of the Palestinian Authority and the 'Aqsa Martyrs Brigade' attack settlers and Israeli army forces.
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Military and Political Decisions
Katz has also emphasized that the army is preparing for the possibility of escalating tensions from the Palestinian Authority forces and that in the event of such a scenario, 'war will be declared against the Palestinian Authority.' He referred to a plan that has been approved by him and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, stating that a 'comprehensive attack' will be initiated.
Meanwhile, Itamar Ben Gvir, the Minister of National Security and a far-right figure, recorded a video near the city of Tulkarm, stating: 'We should not wait for the next October 7.' He stressed the need to demilitarize the weapons of the Palestinian Authority and called for preventing threats against Israeli citizens.
Although some right-wing ministers have harshly criticized the Palestinian Authority, Israel has still maintained its security relations and other administrative ties with this governing body. The possibility of armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority could create a significant shift in the current situation.
Since January 2025, Israel has launched extensive military operations in northern West Bank, claiming its aim is to confront militant groups in these areas. According to UN statistics, these military operations have displaced over 33,000 Palestinians since their inception, and the destruction of camps has made it very difficult for refugees to return to their homes.
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