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

Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israel's military to prepare for a potential "all-out war" against the Palestinian Authority, should the internationally recognized organisation contemplate launching a "October 7-style terrorist attack" against Israeli soldiers and Jewish settlements. This threat could result in the displacement of entire West Bank cities, mirroring previous military actions in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Katz's ultimatum marks an escalation in the Israeli government's aggressive rhetoric towards the PA. Although the Oslo Accords stipulate the PA's role in governing parts of the West Bank until a Palestinian state is established, the two entities have historically maintained security cooperation and close ties with Israel's key allies.

The recent threat further underscores the PA's weakened state due to economic and legitimacy crises, with many Palestinians perceiving it as inept, corrupt, and primarily serving Israeli interests.

The threat emerged following a Palestinian stabbing incident on Monday morning in a West Bank farming outpost, leading to the attacker's death at the hands of Israeli military forces. While the victim's condition is described as "moderate-to-serious" by Israeli medics, the incident served as the catalyst for Katz's ominous warning.

Katz's declaration came after his pledge to pursue "Palestinian terrorism" vigorously and bolster "Jewish settlement" and security stability in the West Bank, despite mounting concerns from Israel's allies about the escalating settler violence and expansion in the territory. The UK has reportedly planned to impose new sanctions on Israel on Tuesday, while US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has called for "severe consequences" for violent settlers following a series of attacks that garnered international attention.