Tulkarm:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday rejected the return of Palestinians displaced from refugee camps in the northern occupied West Bank, insisting that Israeli forces would maintain control of the area.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu made these remarks during a visit near the Tulkarm refugee camp, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior military officers. He labeled the camp a 'terrorist stronghold' and stated that Israeli troops had cleared it under his government's direction.

Netanyahu also addressed a recent Israeli Supreme Court ruling that called for a timetable to facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps. However, he dismissed the court's view, referring to the displaced individuals as terrorists rather than residents.

He emphasized that the Israeli army would continue to control the area, excluding the presence of any Arab military force west of the Jordan River. This stance comes after the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the government to expedite the return of displaced Palestinians, who have been barred from returning to the camps since early 2025.

Netanyahu warned of a potential confrontation with Palestinian Authority security forces, suggesting they might turn their weapons against Israel in the lead-up to elections. Although he claimed that the Israeli military was prepared for such a scenario, the Israeli news website Ynet reported no intelligence suggesting an imminent attack by Palestinian Authority forces.

He reiterated his government's commitment to maintaining control over territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting the establishment of over 104 settlements and numerous farms. Recently, Netanyahu has intensified his election campaign focus on security, presenting himself as the most capable leader to address threats, while facing criticism from opposition figures who accuse him of using public fears for political gain.