Story perspectives

Netanyahu, Katz order West Bank war if attack confirmed

9/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned IDF will wage war in West Bank if PA-planned October-7 attack is confirmed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu co-directed the war order with Katz, saying “No terrorist can hide.”
Menashe Brigade soldiers found an M16 rifle, rockets and bomb-making explosives in Aqaba, northern Samaria, on September 7, 2026.
A Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs poll showed 77% of Israelis fear a PA-planned October-7-style attack.

History

Historical Context

Operation Defensive Shield began on 29 March 2002 after the Passover massacre, when Defense Minister Ariel Sharon deployed about 30,000 troops to sweep Nablus, Jenin and Ramallah, seizing over 1,000 weapons. Today, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cite that precedent, warning of a similar West Bank incursion if a Palestinian Authority-planned October 7 plot materializes.

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Story summary

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned IDF will wage war in West Bank if PA-planned October-7 attack is confirmed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu co-directed the war order with Katz, saying “No terrorist can hide.”
Menashe Brigade soldiers found an M16 rifle, rockets and bomb-making explosives in Aqaba, northern Samaria, on September 7, 2026.
A Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs poll showed 77% of Israelis fear a PA-planned October-7-style attack.

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