Explosive situation that could deteriorate into escalation at any moment: IDF reinforces forces in Judea and Samaria
The IDF defines the situation in Judea and Samaria as "explosive" and liable to deteriorate into escalation, against a backdrop of rising friction incidents between Israelis and Palestinians. It was decided to reinforce forces with 26 battalions in the Central Command, including nine combat companies, to expand the hold on the territory. The main concern is over small incidents that could ignite the area, as occurred in the Nablus sector.
The IDF defines the security situation in Judea and Samaria as "explosive" and liable to deteriorate into escalation at any moment. The definition was given after a series of situation assessments, against a backdrop of rising nationalist crime and friction incidents between Israelis and Palestinians. In response, it was decided to reinforce forces with 26 battalions across the Central Command, including nine combat companies, to expand the hold on the territory and remain alert for erupting incidents. Over the weekend and holiday, several friction incidents were recorded, including clashes in Samaria and the Jordan Valley, a gathering of 40 Palestinians around a shepherd in the Gilboa, and reports of arson in the Ramallah-Nablus area. The main concern in the Central Command is over small incidents that could reignite the area, as occurred in the Nablus sector. The directives include high alert, searches, and monitoring of the area. Meanwhile, the security establishment increased coordination with the Palestinian Authority, especially regarding Israeli entries into Area A. Another sensitive issue is over a hundred new unauthorized outposts that were approved, which the IDF is forced to defend using a spatial method due to a shortage of troops. The Central Command estimates that additional regular forces will be transferred, subject to developments in the Lebanon sector. A worst-case scenario taken into account is "turning of the guns," in which Palestinian security mechanisms turn their weapons against the IDF and civilians.