The continued terror attacks in Samaria have prompted the security echelon to consider changing the military policy in the region, including a potential large-scale military operation, Israel Hayom has learned.
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Officials have not yet come to a final decision on the matter. The Shin Bet security agency is said to believe there is a need for a policy change, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi are yet to come to a decision. Supporters of the move say increased incitement to commit terror attacks could lead to a heavier toll than a full-scale operation.
Samaria, in particular, has seen an uptick in terror attacks as the Palestinian Authority is losing control of the region.
Israel was on the verge of launching a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in Samaria in early 2022, due to the escalation, and the military was even ordered to prepare, but the plans were disrupted when the new government, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took office.
With the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which marks an uptick in violence, especially in Jerusalem, the agenda is back on the table.
Besides a large-scale military operation, the security officials are also considering boosting pre-emptive efforts by arresting individuals involved in terror activities, increasing operations in the West Bank one area at a time, as well as strengthening the PA to conduct its own law enforcement operations.
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