Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently completed a situation assessment at the Central Command together with the commander of the command Yehuda Fox, Major General (Res.) Amir Abulafia, commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Lt. Col. Avi Blot, head of the command staff, Lt. Col. Roy Shitrit, head of the civil administration, Brigadier General Faras Atila, representatives of the Shin Bet, the Border Police and other officers.
In assessing the situation, the Minister of Defense received an overview of the defense operations in the settlements and roads throughout Judea and Samaria, and the operational activities being carried out to eliminate the terrorist elements in the refugee camps, the confiscation of weapons and the thwarting of the terrorist infrastructure.
Gallant emphasized that the main goal is to preserve peace in the sector along with exacting a significant price from the elements of terrorism, and making every effort to support the IDF operation in the Gaza Strip.
At the end of the meeting, Gallant said: "In assessing the situation, I followed closely the great efforts that are being made here day and night to fight terrorism and protect the civilian population. The IDF is working in the refugee camps in order to harm anyone who tries to initiate a terrorist attack. This operation is carried out by regular and reservist personnel in close cooperation with the IDF, the Border Police and the Shin Bet, in an impressive, precise and high-quality manner.
"This whole arena is secondary to the main effort we are carrying out in the Gaza Strip. Similar to what is happening in the north, we have no interest in reaching an escalation and we are making every effort to prevent it. The forces are doing their job well, it is very important that Judea and Samaria remain quiet so that we will be able to complete our mission in the Gaza Strip, eliminate the Hamas organization, eradicate it, remove it from its military and governmental capabilities and bring about the desired result there. When it becomes clear what the IDF did in Gaza, this will reflect both on Judea and Samaria and on all other places."
