IDF Says West Bank Threat Remains Low but Urges Preventive Action Amid Rising Friction

Security officials warned Sunday that although terror activity in the West Bank has fallen to its lowest level since 2011, Hamas leadership and operatives in Turkey, Gaza, Iran, Qatar, Lebanon and other locations are expected to try to advance attacks against Israelis and IDF soldiers.

Officials credited the decline in violence to coordinated operations by the Judea and Samaria Division, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, together with the Shin Bet security agency, the Israel Police and the Border Police.

Ahead of the holidays, the Judea and Samaria Division conducted wide-ranging preventive operations targeting both terrorism suspects and incitement networks in an effort to reduce the risk of attacks in the area.

IDF broadens preventive operations as friction increases

According to security officials, “The IDF has broad freedom of action in Judea and Samaria, particularly after taking control of the West Bank refugee camps, establishing a presence there and building infrastructure to support rapid operations. Additional outposts are also being constructed to strengthen that presence.”

Another development viewed positively by security officials is the large scale of terror-prevention activity on the ground and from the air. According to IDF data, Israeli forces killed five terrorists in separate incidents over the past week.

However, officials are concerned about a growing trend of friction on the ground. They said the increase is partly connected to the expansion of communities in the West Bank, with 84 new communities added to the 180 already in existence, as well as the rise in lone farms to around 140 and more than 100 illegal outposts.

This security environment is prompting the IDF to reassess its approach to state-approved communities and farms, ensuring they are not left vulnerable or at a disadvantage compared with hostile elements in the area.

Officials assess potential escalation scenarios

The security establishment says coordination with the Palestinian security services has continued despite exceptional incidents that require close monitoring and readiness. Officials also point to the large quantity of weapons held by the Palestinian Authority, as well as weapons smuggling across the Israel-Jordan border.

One extreme scenario under review is a succession struggle over Mahmoud Abbas’s position, during which weapons could be turned against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians. The political leadership has instructed officials to improve preparations for that possibility.

Defense Minister Israel Katz may press the IDF to seize additional refugee camps and carry out broader operations in the West Bank in an effort to further reduce terror activity, security sources said.

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