IDF increases West Bank deployment to 26 battalions amid sharp rise in violence

The IDF has increased its West Bank deployment to 26 battalions, adding two battalions amid a sharp escalation marked by Palestinian terrorist attacks and attacks from settlers. The reinforcement follows Friday's deadly shooting near Gilad Farm that killed two soldiers. It is unclear whether the additional deployment will remain throughout the summer.

The IDF has increased its West Bank deployment to 26 battalions, adding two battalions amid a sharp escalation marked by Palestinian terrorist attacks and attacks from settlers, The Jerusalem Post learned on Monday. The reinforcement comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered increased troop deployments following Friday's deadly shooting near Gilad Farm, which killed two soldiers: IDF Chief Sgt. First Class Benayahu Mellet and Maj. Yuval Ezra. The Palestinian shooter was also killed; Palestinian officials said four Palestinians died in the broader confrontation. Security forces arrested more than 70 terror suspects across the West Bank the following day. It is unclear whether the additional deployment will remain throughout the summer and ahead of the High Holy Days. The weekend also saw a stabbing near Elon Moreh, an off-duty soldier injured near Sussiya Junction, and Israelis setting fire to a mosque in Kusra. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has instructed commanders to prevent further friction.