Gallant: Israel May Expand Airstrikes in the West Bank

The Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Post" reported today, Sunday, that "Defense Minister Yoav Gallant assessed the situation with the Central Command Chief and discussed the possibility of expanding Israeli Air Force operations in the West Bank." The Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant "conducted a situation assessment with the new Central Command Chief, Major General Avi Blot, and other senior defense officials, where they discussed terrorism in the West Bank." Gallant received an overview of the army's activities to thwart terrorist attacks, eliminate armed groups in refugee camps, and improve security in settlements. He stated, "Terrorism is worsening in Judea and Samaria, among other things, as a result of directives from Iran and Hezbollah." He added, "Months ago, I removed restrictions on the operations of the Israeli Air Force, including an attack in the central command to thwart terrorism without unnecessarily risking soldiers - and if necessary, we will expand that."