Israel Orders Expanded Counterterrorism Campaign Across Judea and Samaria

Defense Minister Israel Katz directs IDF to prepare for control of another refugee camp as militant groups attempt to rebuild their networks

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to expand counterterrorism operations across Judea and Samaria, warning that Palestinian terrorist organizations are attempting to rebuild their strength after suffering major setbacks during previous Israeli campaigns.

The directive followed a high-level security assessment attended by Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, senior IDF intelligence and operations commanders, Shin Bet officials, police representatives, and other members of Israel’s security establishment.

Katz instructed the IDF to prepare to seize control of an additional Palestinian refugee camp using a strategy similar to operations conducted in Jenin, Tulkarem, and the Nur Shams camp. Israeli forces previously entered those areas to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, seize weapons, arrest suspects, and prevent armed groups from reestablishing operational control.

“Palestinian terrorism is trying to raise its head again,” Katz said as he defended the decision to intensify military activity throughout the territory.

The Defense Ministry said the approach includes destroying explosives laboratories, uncovering weapons caches, arresting wanted terrorists, and maintaining a sustained military presence after major combat operations have ended. Israeli officials argue that withdrawing immediately after raids allows terrorist cells to return and rebuild.

According to Israeli security data cited by the ministry, the campaign supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reduced militant activity in Judea and Samaria by approximately 80% during 2025. Officials expect the decline to continue in 2026 if the military maintains pressure on armed groups.

The expanded operation follows several days of heightened violence near Nablus. Israel recently deployed additional forces and imposed security restrictions in parts of northern Samaria after deadly clashes left two Israeli soldiers and several Palestinians dead. Israeli forces subsequently detained dozens of suspects and searched hundreds of locations as part of a broad security sweep.

The developments underscore Israel’s growing concern that Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and locally organized armed groups could exploit regional instability to establish stronger footholds in Judea and Samaria. Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that Iranian-backed organizations are working to finance attacks, smuggle weapons, and open another active front against the Jewish state.

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