Israel Fears Catastrophic Attacks Amid Rising Palestinian Statehood Momentum

Israeli defense officials are sounding the alarm over a potential “nightmare scenario” reminiscent of the October 7 Hamas massacre, warning that a Palestinian declaration of statehood in September could spark a wave of terror attacks in Judea and Samaria.

As reported by Amir Bohbot for Walla, tensions are running high within the IDF General Staff, with a heated debate over troop allocations between the Southern Command, focused on Gaza, and the Central Command, bracing for unrest in Judea and Samaria. A critical situation assessment is set for next week to determine force deployment and reserve mobilization.

Senior IDF officers fear that European nations’ possible recognition of a Palestinian state in September could ignite violence in Judea and Samaria, driven by either celebration or frustration. “Such a declaration could trigger a chain of attacks against IDF soldiers and civilians, in Judea and Samaria or deep inside Israel,” Central Command officers warned, drawing parallels to the October 7 Hamas assault. The IDF’s Operations Directorate, led by Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, is prioritizing preparations for a potential Gaza City offensive, but Central Command, under Maj. Gen. Avi Blott, insists on strengthening forces in Judea and Samaria to counter possible Palestinian infiltrations or attacks on settlements.

The IDF faces a strategic dilemma: balancing resources between Gaza, where it faces ongoing Hamas threats like yesterday's Khan Younis attack, and Judea and Samaria, where unrest could erupt. Central Command officers stress that neglecting Samaria risks repeating the vulnerabilities exposed on October 7. Key tasks include securing the seam line, settlements, roads, and the eastern border. With uncertainty surrounding the scale of reserve mobilization, the IDF plans to call up 70,000 reservists in September. A reserve battalion from Division 96, commanded by Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha, has already been deployed to the Maccabim sector.