Defense Minister Katz Defies Supreme Court Over West Bank Camps

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he has no intention of allowing displaced residents to return to evacuated refugee camps in the West Bank, defying a recent Supreme Court ruling. Katz stated that the Supreme Court must refrain from interfering in IDF operational activities in the West Bank, warning that the government would pursue special legislation in the Knesset if necessary.

Shift in Security Concept

Katz noted that immediately upon assuming office, he formulated a new security concept for the West Bank alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rather than conducting periodic raids, the IDF was ordered to capture and permanently hold the refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, which Katz described as hotbeds of Iranian-backed jihadist terror.

"This is not a matter for the Supreme Court to intervene in—just as it is not its business to interfere in operational activities in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, or Iran," Katz declared.

Operational Success and Future Legislation

According to the Defense Minister, some 40,000 residents evacuated the camps while the military dismantled terrorist infrastructure and neutralized threats. Katz claims this strategy has reduced West Bank terrorism by 80% to its lowest level ever. He emphasized that the long-term military presence is a vital security necessity to prevent October 7-style attacks.