While Israel's defense establishment works to contain recent attacks in Judea and Samaria, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Wiener, chairman of the HaBitchonistim movement, contends the challenge extends beyond immediate security concerns to broader strategic and perceptual issues.
Wiener argues that terrorism represents an ongoing process that has been escalating for months rather than a sudden development, and that Israel has been slow to address underlying causes. "Everyone is talking about a new wave of terrorism," He said. "From my perspective, this isn't a new wave. For months we've seen attempts to torch farms, poison livestock, and attack shepherds. The recent incidents have simply received greater public attention, but this has been the reality for quite some time."
Following the October 7 attack, the IDF significantly altered its operational approach in Judea and Samaria, responding aggressively to all incidents including minor ones. This forceful posture, Wiener notes, substantially reduced violence. Yet he argues this improved security eventually bred complacency. "As things calmed down, we took our foot off the gas. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority's incitement campaign continued in the education system, the media, and public discourse."
Wiener also attributes rising tensions partly to disputes over Jewish community expansion in the region, alongside what he describes as coordinated campaigns against settlement activity. He calls for restoring the strict policies implemented immediately after October 7, stating: "We need to restore the firm approach that characterized the period after October 7, not only through raids and arrests, but also on the civilian level."
Wiener advocates viewing the Palestinian Authority as adversarial rather than cooperative. He asserts the PA continues to incite and support terrorism, and claims dozens of PA police officers have engaged in terrorist activities over the past two years. He argues Israel should cease treating it as a security partner and warned against strengthening its role.
Addressing manpower concerns, Wiener contends that focusing forces strategically can achieve greater results with fewer troops. He proposed concentrating operations in specific areas and working with local communities, emphasizing the importance of beginning with manageable initiatives.
Wiener concluded with a warning: "The real threat to Israel is not only Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran. It is also the hundreds of thousands of illegal weapons that have been smuggled into the area, organized crime networks, and the Palestinian Authority."