Netanyahu says Palestinian Authority in for ‘big surprise’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant military response after Palestinian militants killed two Israeli soldiers near Hebron in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, a semi-autonomous body governing parts of the West Bank, is expected to face a "big surprise," according to Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, who is facing elections, did not directly address whether he would dismantle the Palestinian Authority. Instead, he expressed favor for "ruse and surprise." During an interview with i24News, Netanyahu stated, "We transformed the Middle East. I said that we would change things and we have."

The prime minister added, "There is a very big surprise for the Palestinian Authority as well." On Friday, Netanyahu promised a massive military response following the attack, although no evidence suggests that the Palestinian Authority was involved.

One of Netanyahu's far-right allies called for Israel to bring down the Palestinian Authority after the attack. However, this demand is not supported by evidence linking the Palestinian Authority to the incident. Netanyahu, a long-time opponent of establishing a Palestinian state, shares this stance with his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, ahead of the upcoming election on Tuesday.