Not Enough Fighters: Katz's Directive to Capture Another Refugee Camp Will Wait

The defense establishment clarifies that the capture of another refugee camp in the West Bank, likely Balata, awaits the presentation of operational plans by the IDF. The model from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams is considered a success and reduced terrorism, but a lack of resources, forces, and the burden of other arenas delays the decision. The statement serves Palestinian deterrence and a message to settlers.

The defense establishment explains that a dramatic move to capture another refugee camp in the West Bank awaits the presentation of operational plans by the IDF, and only after that will a decision be made on whether to approve it. Defense Minister Israel Katz last week instructed to expand offensive operations and prepare for the capture of another camp, following the model implemented in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams, which were sealed, evacuated of residents, and cleared of terrorist infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu referred in a cabinet meeting to the instructions to enter villages, search, seize weapons, and make arrests. However, the plans to capture another camp are not rushing to be implemented due to a lack of resources, forces, and the burden of other arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Among the candidate camps: Kalandia, Jalazone, and Balata, with the highest likelihood being Balata, near the site of the attack where Binyahu Melet and Major Yuval Ezra were killed. The statement serves dual interests: Palestinian deterrence and a message to settlers.