Israel's security cabinet convened on Sunday for the first time since early October, holding a three-hour meeting amid concerns over a possible security escalation in the West Bank and preparations for a scenario in which Palestinian Authority security personnel turn their weapons against IDF soldiers and Israeli communities.
The IDF's preparations focus on a scenario known as "turning the barrels," in which members of the Palestinian Authority's security services direct their weapons against IDF troops and Israeli communities.
The discussion took place after plans developed by the IDF Central Command to address the scenario, which were originally scheduled to be presented to the cabinet in early October, were postponed following a change in the agenda.
The IDF has formulated plans to respond to a possible attack by Palestinian security personnel, and the scenario has been rehearsed by the Judea and Samaria Division. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir previously ordered additional troops to be deployed in the area and preparations to be made for the rapid mobilization of further units if necessary.
Defense Minister Israel Katz raised the possibility in October of a large-scale confrontation with the Palestinian Authority, in which members of its security services and the Tanzim organization would act against IDF soldiers and Israeli settlers.
Katz warns of possible war with Palestinian Authority
According to Katz, Israel could declare war on the Palestinian Authority in such a scenario and launch an offensive in accordance with a plan prepared in advance.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned of the possibility during a tour of the security barrier along the seam line in Samaria.
However, senior IDF officials emphasized in previous discussions that they had no intelligence indicating that Palestinian Authority security personnel intended to carry out such an attack.
Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth also warned that public discussion of the scenario could heighten tensions on the ground.
IDF reinforces West Bank deployment amid rising tensions
In mid-October, Zamir announced that the IDF would reinforce its deployment in the West Bank, including the deployment of the 98th Division, and stressed the need to be prepared for a transition from defensive operations to offensive action.
The IDF also warned of the possibility of an escalation following incidents of violence by Israeli extremists against Palestinians.
The cabinet meeting comes during a period of caretaker government, with Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot divided over whether significant security decisions should be made during this period.