Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Saturday said he is urging West Bank Palestinians not to continue violent confrontations with troops.
"Israel has no interest in an increase of violence but is prepared for any eventuality," Gantz said after consultations with senior IDF commanders in the area.
On Friday, at least 10 Palestinians were killed on the West Bank, during clashes with Israeli forces.
" West Bank Palestinians can enjoy a steady economy and calm while those living in Gaza are suffering because of the Hamas rulers," he said.
"Whomever is igniting the West Bank for his political interests and his own concerns, is endangering your security and livelihood," the Defense Minister said in his message to Palestinians.
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Palestinian rioter uses slingshot to hurl stones at troops in Hebron on Friday
(Photo: AFP)
"If terrorists lift their heads, we will take them down and have to suspend our plans to assist the Palestinian society economically after a year of COVID," he said.
Gantz met with chief of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, with the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Brig. Gen. Ghassan Alian chief of the Judea and Samaria brigade Brig. Gen. Yaniv Alaluf.
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Defense Minister Benny Gantz with IDF chief of Central Command Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai on Saturday
(Photo: Elad Malka)
Gantz said that Hamas payed a hefty price in the past day. "We have more plans to put into action in order to bring a return of calm and a stable security to the border region," he said.
Terror attacks have been increasing in the West Bank in the past week with a attempted ramming attack taking place in the southern West Bank on Saturday. The assailant was shot by troops and no other injuries were reported.
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Troops kill man suspected of attempting ramming attack on West Bank on Friday
(Photo: Zeirei Ofra )
The Gaza based Hamas terror group fired rockets at the West Bank on Saturday claiming to target settlements there. One rocket landed near the city of Qalqiliya where Palestinian youth cheered and praised Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif.
Another rocket landed near the city of Nablus.
First published: 18:28, 05.15.21