Israeli military ordered to prepare for 'all-out war' on Palestinian Authority

The Israeli Defence Minister has ordered his military to prepare for an "all-out war" against the Palestinian Authority, should they be deemed to be planning an attack similar to the October 7 incident. This potential conflict could target senior officials within the Palestinian Authority and associated bodies. The threat is an escalation of the Israeli government's rhetoric against the PA, which is supposed to control parts of the West Bank under the Oslo Accords.

Despite accusations of celebrating militancy, Israel and the PA have maintained security co-operation. The threat highlights the PA's weakened state, marked by economic and legitimacy crises. The Defence Minister's warning comes after a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli at a farming outpost, with the attacker subsequently killed by Israeli forces.

The Defence Minister's policy emphasizes pursuing Palestinian terrorism, expanding settlements, and maintaining security stability, despite global concerns over settler violence and expansion. The UK plans to announce sanctions against Israel on Tuesday, and the US has called for severe consequences for violent settlers.