Judea and Samaria as a powder keg: 'We are heading into a tense period'; IDF reinforces forces - and prepares for revenge attacks

A senior officer in the Central Command warns of a tense situation in Judea and Samaria, following a deadly attack in Samaria. The IDF is reinforcing forces in the Judea and Samaria Division, including transferring an additional brigade and combat battalions, and is preparing for revenge attacks by lone attackers and local cells. The Iranian threat and arms smuggling exacerbate the picture.

A senior officer in the Central Command said today (Saturday) that intelligence agencies and field commanders indicate a 'very tense situation' in Judea and Samaria. Despite massive dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, the main threat is from lone attackers and local cells that will exploit opportunities to harm civilians or soldiers. The deadly attack that occurred yesterday in Samaria led to the Chief of Staff's decision to reduce forces in Lebanon and Gaza and transfer an additional brigade to Judea and Samaria, followed by additional combat battalions. The officer emphasized the challenge of illegal outposts, numbering 80 new outposts and 126 farms, which burden the ability to secure the area. He also noted an increase in Iranian-directed terrorism from Gaza and Turkey, including arms smuggling and terrorist funds. The IDF is working to arrest all those involved in the attack in the village of Tel.

Judea and Samaria as a powder keg: 'We are heading into a tense period'; IDF reinforces forces - and prepares for revenge attacks