Full Breakdown
Israel Katz Orders Expanded West Bank Military Operations
7/28/2026, 8:12:00 PM
Expansion of IDF Operations in the West Bank
Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to broaden offensive actions against Palestinian militant groups in the West Bank and to prepare to assume control of an additional refugee camp. The directive followed a security meeting on Monday that included IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, senior officials from the Operations and Intelligence Directorates, the Shin Bet domestic security agency, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), and the Israel Police’s West Bank district. The plan calls for the same approach used previously in the Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams camps, where the military dismantled militant infrastructure and then maintained a permanent presence.
Background of Prior Camp Operations
In earlier operations at Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams, the IDF cleared the camps of what it described as terrorist infrastructure and established ongoing forces to prevent re-emergence of attacks. Those campaigns are cited as the operational model for the new expansion, reflecting a strategy of “evacuate, clear, occupy.”
Official Statements & Responses
The Defence Ministry said the expansion is being carried out with the backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In announcing the order, Katz warned that “Palestinian terrorism is trying to raise its head again.” The ministry added that the strategy has already reduced militant activity and that officials expect the downward trend to continue.
Data & Statistics
According to figures released by the Defence Ministry and other defense-establishment sources, the operations implemented under this model lowered militant activity by 80 % in 2025. The same sources project that the decline will persist into 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Palestinian terrorism is trying to raise its head again,” — Israel Katz, israeli defense minister — Israel Katz, Israeli Defense Minister
