Netanyahu says Palestinian Authority in for ‘big surprise’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant military response following the killing of two Israeli soldiers near Hebron in the occupied West Bank by Palestinian militants. This incident occurred days before the country's elections. Netanyahu vowed that the Palestinian Authority would receive a "big surprise" with this operation, stating his preference for "ruse and surprise" during his interview with i24News.

He affirmed the changes he has brought to the Middle East, emphasizing his promise to alter the region's dynamics. Additionally, Netanyahu cautioned that there would be a "very big surprise for the Palestinian Authority" as well. Far-right allies of Netanyahu called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority following the attack, advocating for the end of the semi-autonomous body's governance over parts of the West Bank since the 1990s peace agreements.

However, there is no evidence linking the Palestinian Authority to the recent assault. Netanyahu has consistently opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state, a viewpoint shared by his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, ahead of the upcoming election on Tuesday.