Judea and Samaria

U.S. officials criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz’s statement yesterday that the IDF is preparing for a long-term presence in southern Lebanon. The Americans said: “An IDF presence in Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments that were made.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected claims that he announced on air the removal of the Central Command chief, saying the process of appointing his replacement had begun months earlier. He called the allegations “an absolute lie” and “a political campaign aimed at the government.”

Terrorist Kamel Khatib faces multiple terrorism charges, including responsibility for the Samaria attack that killed reservist Sgt. Maj. Yehuda Gatto and seriously wounded another soldier. According to the indictment, he also led the Nur a-Shams Battalion terror organization.

Over the past week, IDF forces carried out a large-scale operation in villages along the seam zone, targeting networks that allegedly help Palestinians enter Israel illegally. At the same time, police continue making arrests in communities across the country and shutting down businesses accused of employing undocumented Palestinians.

Security forces say they foiled suspected illegal digging and antiquities theft in the Jordan Valley. Thousands of archaeological items, ancient coins, and excavation equipment were seized, and the suspect was taken in for further questioning.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed at the start of the cabinet meeting that he plans to fly to Washington tomorrow. He is set to meet with President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Speaking about the attacks in Judea and Samaria, the prime minister said: "We are prepared to act more broadly against terror hubs."

The cabinet approved the measure after the European Union failed to agree on a common policy, but key enforcement details remain unpublished

The investigation is currently focused on suspicions that a cigarette butt thrown from a passing vehicle sparked the fire near Havat Gilad. Security cameras documented the scene, and police believe they may be able to identify the suspect.

Israel is considering strict limits on civilian drone use, including a possible ban, amid fears terror groups could use explosive and fiber-optic drones in attacks.

Israeli security forces carried out dozens of overnight counterterrorism operations, arresting suspects linked to Hamas, a planned terror attack, illegal weapons trafficking, and incitement, while searching more than 50 buildings in the Jenin area

After settling its U.S. lawsuit, the Israeli NGO turns its fight toward Europe and Canada

The Shin Bet and the IDF have revealed the identities of Hamas operatives working from Turkey to advance terror activity in Judea and Samaria. According to security officials, dozens of attacks foiled over the past year were directed by them through recruitment, financing, and the transfer of weapons.

The new Israeli-made flavor uses southern milk, Yad Mordechai honey and Star of David chocolate pieces tied to recovery after October 7

A Palestinian suspect allegedly tried to hit police officers at the Hashmonaim Crossing. Police said he was driving a stolen vehicle and was attempting to flee toward the Judea and Samaria area. Meanwhile, soldiers from the Yahalom unit destroyed 18 lathes used to manufacture weapons, which were found in Balata camp and in Ras al-Ayn.

More than 100 lawmakers urged the government to stop the London event, warning it was tied to land they said was “stolen from Palestinians”

Roy Demati, a father of three, stood exposed under the gunman’s fire at the entrance to his community and stopped him from getting inside after the attacker killed a reserve soldier and wounded five others.

The reported plan would fund caravans and infrastructure for communities already moving through a months-long approval and regulation process

Israel rejected the coordinated measures as a political attack on Jewish life in Judea and Samaria, disguised as action against violence

About 60 communities along the eastern conflict line will receive a 7% income tax credit, applied retroactively from January 2026; the bill passed by a vote of 32 to 23.

The government approved a sweeping 250 million-shekel plan to rescue, preserve, develop, and make heritage and antiquities sites more accessible in Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, and the Judean Desert. Efforts to protect the sites from looting and destruction will also be expanded.