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Jerusalem, December 16, 2024 – Leaders of Jewish communities in the West Bank have raised alarms over a potential repeat of the devastating events of October 7, pointing to escalating tensions, Iran’s expanding influence in the region, and clashes between Palestinian Authority (PA) forces and Hamas.
Their warnings follow the interception of a significant arms shipment smuggled from Iran into the West Bank in November, according to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The cache included rockets, RPG launchers, remote-controlled explosives, mortar launchers, bombs, rifles, and ammunition.
Yisrael Gantz, Chairman of the Yesha Council and Head of the Binyamin Regional Council, expressed grave concerns about undetected arms that could threaten Israeli security. “The shipment was intercepted, but how many shipments weren’t?” Gantz asked.
He warned of the catastrophic potential of even a single missile slipping through Israeli defenses. “A hidden missile in someone’s home could endanger every plane landing at Ben Gurion Airport,” Gantz said. He noted that his prior warnings three weeks before the October 7 attacks went unheeded and called for decisive measures.
Call for a Strategic Overhaul
On Sunday, heads of West Bank councils submitted a letter to Israel’s Security Cabinet urging a comprehensive strategic shift to address the growing security threat. The letter highlighted Iran’s increasing foothold in the area, which they claim has resulted in a surge of attacks and a proliferation of terrorist networks.
“Iran’s entrenchment in Judea and Samaria has tangible consequences, evident in various attacks with severe outcomes and numerous foiled attempts,” the letter stated.
The council leaders argued that the current security approach, stemming from policies under the Oslo Accords, has left Israel vulnerable. They demanded the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and the relocation of populations in areas linked to terrorist activity.
Additionally, they proposed reinstating military checkpoints to curb the movement of terrorists and arms across the region. “It doesn’t make sense to leave the issue of our security in the hands of the Palestinian Authority,” the letter read.
A Fragile Alliance
The letter sharply criticized the dual role of the Palestinian Authority, accusing it of fostering terrorism while simultaneously claiming to combat it. “To eliminate terrorism, we need to fight it ourselves—not rely on the Palestinian police, which isn’t truly a police force but rather a fully armed army, trained in Afghanistan for territorial conquest,” the leaders charged.
Gantz echoed these sentiments, calling for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorist threats. “We need 100 percent certainty—not 90 percent, not 95 percent,” he said. “We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of October 7.”
Mounting Security Challenges
The warnings come as the region grapples with growing instability. Recent clashes between Palestinian Authority forces and Hamas operatives have exacerbated the volatile security situation, while Iran’s backing of militant groups in the area continues to stoke fears of a broader escalation.
The Israeli government has yet to publicly respond to the council leaders’ demands, but their call for immediate and decisive action underscores the urgency of addressing the complex and escalating threats in the West Bank.