Netanyahu claims 'Israel' preparing for PA security force backlash in West Bank

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the Palestinian Authority during a security assessment along the West Bank seam line near Tulkarm on Tuesday, claiming that 'Israel' is prepared for "any scenario," including an alleged armed uprising by PA security forces.

Standing near the Tulkarm refugee camp alongside 'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior 'Israeli' military, Shin Bet, and Border Police commanders, Netanyahu claimed that 'Israeli' forces had cleared the area, calling it a former "stronghold of terrorists."

"Our enemies are thinking of testing us in these days leading up to the elections," Netanyahu said during the tour. "I warn them: we are prepared for any scenario, including a so-called reversal of roles. In such a case, I do not suggest our enemies test us. You will face force here that you never dreamed of."

Permanent 'Israeli' military presence

Netanyahu's comments echo a scenario outlined a week earlier by 'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz during a cabinet meeting.

Katz claimed that the 'Israeli' military was preparing for a shift in the balance of power where PA security personnel and affiliated "Tanzim" fighters might launch alleged coordinated attacks against settlers and 'Israeli' military troops along the seam line.

Katz claimed that such an event would trigger an immediate declaration of war against the PA and a full-scale offensive under a pre-arranged operational plan.

Regarding 'Israel's' long-term settlement posture in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu claimed that 'Israeli' forces would remain the sole military power in the area.

"The one who will control this area and remain in it is the IDF," Netanyahu said. "There will be no Arab army here west of the Jordan River; there will only be the IDF. We must understand that we are minutes away from the coast, Israel’s narrow waist will no longer remain narrow."