Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Israel Defense Forces’ Judea and Samaria Division on December 31, warning commanders to prepare for the possibility of large-scale attacks resembling the October 7 assault and urging continued vigilance across the region.

During his visit, Katz emphasized that sustained military and security operations over the past year in areas including Jenin, Tulkarm, and the Nur al-Shams refugee camp have resulted in a significant reduction in terrorist activity, estimating a drop of more than 80 percent. He credited coordinated IDF actions, intelligence-driven operations, and persistent presence on the ground for disrupting terror networks and preventing mass-casualty attacks.

Katz called on commanders to expand and intensify these efforts, stressing that the threat has not been eliminated and that hostile elements continue to seek opportunities to strike Israeli civilians and soldiers. He underscored the importance of maintaining a robust IDF deployment throughout Judea and Samaria, describing it as a critical civilian buffer that protects population centers and preserves freedom of movement for Israeli forces.

The defense minister also instructed the military to accelerate the relocation and reinforcement of bases in the northern part of the region, a move aimed at strengthening long-term security and improving rapid response capabilities. He noted that these steps are essential to deter terrorist organizations, including those backed and encouraged by Iran, from rebuilding operational capacity.

Katz’s remarks reflect Israel’s broader security posture following the October 7 attacks, highlighting a determination to prevent similar scenarios by combining offensive counterterror operations with permanent defensive readiness. He concluded by reaffirming that Israel will continue to act decisively to protect its citizens and maintain stability, warning adversaries that attempts to exploit perceived gaps in security will be met with force.