Following settler siege: Chief of Staff orders reinforcement of sector with additional infantry battalion
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the reinforcement of the Qusra sector with an additional regular infantry battalion, following a siege imposed by settlers on two Palestinian homes in the village. The IDF began evacuating the siege, but clashes broke out with settlers who dismantled fences and blocked roads. Major General Avi Bluth arrived at the scene. The organization 'Yesh Din' reported seven Palestinians, including two girls, besieged for three days.
The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, held another situational assessment today (Wednesday) with the commander of the Central Command, Major General Avi Bluth, the head of the Operations Directorate, Major General Itzik Cohen, and the head of the Operations Division, Brigadier General Barak Hiram, regarding the incident in the Qusra area. Earlier today, IDF forces arrived at the scene to evacuate a siege imposed by settlers on two Palestinian homes in the village, but clashes began with many settlers. As of this report, the siege has not yet been lifted. The Chief of Staff ordered continued operations to strengthen order and operational control, including reinforcement with an additional regular infantry battalion, which is currently in refreshment and will be deployed to the sector. The IDF stated that additional forces will be held in reserve. The IDF said the operation is being carried out in a multi-organizational effort with the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, with the aim of restoring order and bringing the rioters to justice. It further clarified that the Chief of Staff ordered the clarification of rules of conduct and use of force in such incidents. Dozens of settlers who arrived in the area clashed with the military, dismantled fences, and blocked roads. The area was declared a closed military zone. The commander of the Central Command arrived in the area, spoke with the Palestinians, and asked the settlers to leave. The organization 'Yesh Din' claimed in a letter sent yesterday to Major General Bluth that settlers had imposed a siege on two homes, and that seven Palestinians, including two girls aged ten and four, have been besieged for three days. According to the organization, the settlers cut off electricity and water, and supplies of water and food are running low. On Sunday, residents of the outpost 'Tel Talpiot' erected a sukkah near the homes, and in the evening imposed a siege, blocked roads with piles of stones, damaged electrical cables, damaged solar panels, and vandalized water pipes.