Terror Down by 80%: The Military Strategy Transforming Judea and Samaria

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning and a new strategic directive during a visit to the Judea and Samaria Division on Wednesday, calling on military leadership to prepare for potential large scale assaults similar to the October 7 massacre. While acknowledging the significant progress made in neutralizing threats over the past year, Katz emphasized that the military must remain vigilant against a coordinated invasion targeting local communities and the seamline area. The Minister’s visit focused on evaluating the success of intensive operations in known terrorist hubs and outlining the future of Israel’s security presence in the region.

According to data presented during the visit, sustained IDF operations in areas such as Jenin, Tulkarm, and the Nur a-Shams camps have been highly effective, resulting in a decrease of more than 80% in terrorist activities. Katz noted that the military must learn from these successes and examine expanding this operational model to additional camps. He stressed that action must be taken decisively and on an ongoing basis to ensure these gains are not lost. The Defense Minister made it clear that the military strategy used in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza is being applied here as well, with the IDF remaining on the ground to serve as a clear buffer between the civilian population and the terrorists of Hamas and other groups.

A central component of the new strategy involves the transfer of IDF bases to northern Samaria, a move Katz described as a "historical rectification." He argued that increasing the permanent military presence in this area is of both defensive and settlement importance, and that the return to northern Samaria fundamentally strengthens the security and stability of the entire region. By establishing these bases, the military aims to prevent the regrowth of terrorist elements and stop attacks before they can be launched toward the Israeli heartland.

The Minister concluded his briefing by ordering commanders to be fully prepared to respond to a possible October 7 style attack on communities within Judea and Samaria and along the seamline. This involves hardening defenses and ensuring rapid response capabilities are in place to thwart any attempt at a mass infiltration. Katz reiterated that the goal is to prevent terrorists from ever gaining the footing necessary to execute such a massacre again, maintaining that a constant, proactive military presence is the only way to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.