A Shift in West Bank Defense Policy
“I visited the IDF command center to oversee the operation’s progress and confirm its policy objectives. ‘Operation Iron Wall’ in Jenin Refugee Camp signals a strategic shift in the IDF’s approach to securing Judea and Samaria,” Katz said.
The Defense Minister underscored the operation’s focus on countering terror threats tied to Iranian proxies. “We will not allow Iran’s tentacles or radical Sunni Islam to endanger settlers’ lives or establish an eastern terror front against Israel. We will strike at their tentacles with overwhelming force until they are severed,” he stated.
Heightened Threats Demand Strong Action
Minutes before the IDF officially announced the launch of Operation Iron Wall, Katz addressed the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee about the growing threats in the West Bank and along the Seam Line – the armistace line until the 6 Day War in 1967. He warned, “The threats to settlements and communities in Judea, Samaria, and along the Seam Line are escalating. Our enemies see this region as the only open arena for conflict—where terror, shootings, and confrontations with Israel are still possible. The Iranian axis continues funding, directing, and arming terror in this area.”
Katz concluded by stressing the importance of an immediate and robust response to these threats: “I have instructed the IDF to act with full force to protect every community and resident. This will be executed swiftly and decisively to neutralize terror.”
Iron Wall in Action: A Comprehensive Security Effort
The operation involves cooperation between the IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police to strengthen security in the West Bank and dismantle terror infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the operation as part of Israel’s broader fight against Iran’s regional activities.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi described the campaign as a preemptive measure to thwart attacks and protect civilians.
Operation Iron Wall aims to proactively counter emerging threats and intensify efforts to neutralize terror networks. This is particularly significant now due to the recent agreement to release hostages, which included the release of security prisoners to the West Bank.
