Story perspectives

Netanyahu, Katz Say Israel Will Prepare War on PA

9/7/2026

Center

Katz Prepares War

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel Defense Forces will prepare for war against Palestinian Authority officials if an October-7-style attack is confirmed.
A Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs poll found 77% of Israelis fear a Palestinian Authority attack similar to October 7.
A stabbing near Nablus wounded an Israeli civilian, prompting IDF to kill the suspect near Idhna.
JCFA reported the PA has about 70,000 personnel.

Left

Katz Preps War

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said army will ready for war against PA officials if an October-7-style attack occurs.
Left-leaning leaders warned threat could spark an intifada, endanger civilians, and accuse government of exploiting war rhetoric for votes.
Katz said a war could displace West Bank cities, echoing Gaza and Lebanon tactics.
Israel deployed 26 battalions to the West Bank, the highest level since Gaza war.

History

Historical Context

The Second Intifada erupted in September 2000 after Ariel Sharon’s Temple Mount visit, sparking a five-year Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the uprising, the Israel Defense Forces killed roughly 1,000 Israeli soldiers and over 3,000 Palestinians, while 200,000 residents fled the West Bank. Today, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warn the IDF will mobilize against Palestinian Authority officials if a similar October-7 attack occurs. Such a stance risks reigniting widespread violence, potentially displacing tens of thousands in the West Bank and reshaping regional security dynamics.

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Katz Prepares War

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel Defense Forces will prepare for war against Palestinian Authority officials if an October-7-style attack is confirmed.
A Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs poll found 77% of Israelis fear a Palestinian Authority attack similar to October 7.
A stabbing near Nablus wounded an Israeli civilian, prompting IDF to kill the suspect near Idhna.
JCFA reported the PA has about 70,000 personnel.

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