Foreign Minister Israel Katz has called for the temporary relocation of Palestinian residents from the West Bank as part of a broader counter-terrorism strategy. The declaration, previously confined to private discussions, now openly draws parallels to operations in the Gaza Strip, potentially sparking international debate and regional tensions.
The statement follows an extensive overnight operation spanning multiple West Bank areas. Katz explained, "Since last night, the IDF has been conducting forceful operations in the Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps to dismantle Islamic-Iranian terror cells established there. Iran is actively working to create an eastern terror front against Israel in the West Bank, mirroring the Gaza and Lebanon models. They're achieving this through funding and arming terrorists and facilitating the smuggling of advanced weapons from Jordan.
"We must confront this threat with the same approach we're using against terror cells in Gaza. This includes the temporary relocation of Palestinian residents and any other necessary measures. We are in a full-scale war, and victory is imperative," Katz wrote.
Approximately three weeks ago, Israel Hayom reported that Katz made similar remarks during a private meeting with Yesha Council leaders. The publication of these comments reverberated throughout the Arab world, with numerous media outlets quoting the statements.
