British News Agency

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wished settler Itamir Cohen, who was injured in an attack near the Alon Moreh settlement in the West Bank, a speedy recovery and praised the rapid response of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security forces.

In a statement shared on social media, Katz expressed his support for Cohen and his family and wished him a full and swift recovery.

Katz said security forces acted "quickly, decisively, and professionally" following the attack and neutralized the assailants. He claimed that, thanks to current security policies, attacks that he described as Palestinian terrorism have decreased by more than 80 percent.

However, he said the threat has not been completely eliminated, adding: "Palestinian terrorism still exists, and we will continue to respond to it anytime, anywhere."

Referring to operations in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps, Katz said similar operations would continue in areas believed to be used to prepare attacks against Israeli civilians. He added that security forces would not hesitate to conduct operations in villages and other populated areas when necessary, stating: "We will eliminate every terrorist stronghold that threatens the security of our citizens."

He also referred to settlement policy in the West Bank, saying that 104 new settlements and 160 agricultural farms have so far been officially authorized, and stressed that settlement activity in the region would continue.

Katz argued that the development of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) is part of Israel's security doctrine.