JERUSALEM (VINnews) — While Israel’s defense establishment is working to contain the recent wave of attacks in Judea and Samaria, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Wiener, chairman of the HaBitchonistim (Security-minded) movement, argues that the problem is not merely security-related,it is fundamentally one of strategy and perception.

According to Wiener, terrorism is not a new phenomenon that emerged in recent days, but an ongoing process that has been building for months, while Israel has responded too slowly and has failed to address its root causes.

“Everyone is talking about a new wave of terrorism,” Wiener said in an interview with Channel 7. “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.”

He said that after the October 7 attack, the IDF dramatically changed its operations in Judea and Samaria. “There was a shock, and the IDF acted forcefully, primarily with reserve forces. We ignored no incident—not even a single stone-throwing attack. That aggressive policy significantly reduced violence and friction.”

However, Wiener argues that the improved security situation eventually led to 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 believes that the debate surrounding the expansion of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria has contributed to rising tensions. “The stronger the settlement movement became, the greater the Palestinian incitement against it. At the same time, there has been a broad campaign about ‘settler violence,’ led by Israeli organizations together with international NGOs and various UN bodies. All of this creates an environment that encourages further violence.”

He called for a return to the tough policies adopted immediately after October 7. “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. Ultimately, success is measured by the other side’s response.”

According to Wiener, Palestinians view control of land as a primary objective, and Israel’s response should reflect that reality. “If Mahmoud Abbas has already declared Oslo dead, there is no reason for Israel alone to continue acting as though those agreements are still in force. We must recognize that the Palestinian Authority is not a partner but a hostile entity.”

He sharply criticized the Palestinian Authority, claiming it continues to incite and support terrorism. “This is an armed authority that incites terrorism, supports terrorism, and finances terrorism. Yet there are still those who speak about strengthening it or even placing it in charge of Gaza. It’s time to call things by their proper name.”

Wiener also asserted that dozens of Palestinian Authority police officers have participated in terrorist activities over the past two years and argued that Israel should stop viewing the PA as a security asset.

Drawing lessons from October 7, he warned against ignoring warning signs.”Before October 7, there were people who warned about Hamas, but many dismissed them as alarmists. In hindsight, they were right. We must not repeat that mistake with the Palestinian Authority.”

Addressing concerns about manpower shortages, Wiener rejected the argument that a lack of personnel is the main obstacle. “We’re spreading too few soldiers across too large an area. When forces operate offensively, proactively, and with focus, they can achieve much more even with fewer troops.”

He proposed concentrating military efforts in specific areas, strengthening Israel’s presence on the ground, and working closely with local communities. “We don’t have to do everything at once. We can begin with one region, or launch an operation to collect illegal weapons in a single city. The important thing is making the decision to start acting.”

Wiener concluded with a stark 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. If we don’t deal with this in time, October 7 may prove to have been only a preview of what could still come.”