Settler leaders congratulate Israel Katz: We need IDF bases throughout Judea and Samaria
Heads of regional councils in Judea and Samaria welcomed Defense Minister Israel Katz's determination to stamp out terrorism in Judea and Samaria.


Settler local leaders are commending Defense Minister Israel Katz's intention to expand the Jenin operation to other terror hotspots throughout Judea and Samaria.
Shai Alon, head of the council of Beit El, north of Jerusalem, had this to say:
""I support Defense Minister Israel Katz on his aggressive policy and determined decision to destroy the terror camps in the West Bank. Given the fact that there are hundreds of terrorists throughout the settlements, a different operational approach from the previous one in Gaza is required.
"Everyone knows to say in hindsight that the Gaza Strip should have been encircled at once from north and south, to deliver a powerful strike and block Hamas terrorists' ability to move from place to place so they couldn't prepare for forces arriving at the next target.
"The failed reality in Gaza has claimed the lives of many fighters and failed in the central objective of toppling Hamas. I call on the Defense Minister to wake up and change policy in the war in the West Bank. Don't make Gaza's mistake - act horizontally. The encirclement of Palestinian cities must be done in minimal time."
Alon added that "Hamas has learned the raid method and is prepared in advance for this in the refugee camps in the West Bank and in terror nests. At their disposal are powerful explosives and tactics to harass our forces. The IDF needs to surprise with different methods than were used in Gaza, to be the initiator and not the surprised one.
"Minister Katz is acting with force and therefore must direct the defense establishment to deliver a decisive blow including all of the West Bank together: Jenin, Tulkarem, Tubas, Nablus, Ramallah, etc., like the 'Defensive Shield' method in the early 2000s. We must protect the lives of IDF fighters and not allow the enemy to harm them."
Uzel Vatik, head of the Kedumim Council said that "The change in perception at the Ministry of Defense opens the door to hope that we are at the beginning of a new era regarding the fight against terrorism and defeating our enemies.
"For months, we have been demanding a declaration of war in the West Bank and strongly argue that combat efforts should be carried out systematically in terrorist cities and terrorist hideouts, not in defensive areas along the routes.
"I strengthen the hands of Minister Israel Katz, great tasks lie ahead of us and the recent decisions prove a change in perception and departure from the old conception in Judea and Samaria."