Nationalist crime at its peak - and the IDF warns: 'Judea and Samaria on the brink of escalation'

The defense establishment reports over 800 nationalist crime incidents since the start of the year, with concerns that the 2023 record may be broken. The IDF warns of deliberate attempts to create friction in Areas A and B, alongside the economic crisis in the Palestinian Authority, succession struggles, and a series of lone-wolf attacks. 25 battalions are deployed in the sector ahead of the holidays and elections.

Senior defense officials describe the situation in Judea and Samaria as "highly explosive." Since the beginning of the year, over 800 nationalist crime incidents have been recorded, 90-100 of which are classified as severe. At the current pace, the 2023 record of over 1,000 incidents is expected to be broken. The IDF expresses frustration with the conduct of fringe elements who deliberately create friction in Areas A and B, harming the entire settlement enterprise. A military official said: "When public leaders sit in Area B, they cause enormous damage and delay the establishment of regulated settlements. Just before the holidays and elections, we are on the brink of escalation." Alongside nationalist crime, the defense establishment points to the economic crisis in the Palestinian Authority following the halt of clearance revenue transfers, with PA officials receiving about 40% of their salaries for over a year. Additionally, succession struggles in the Authority and the approaching elections in Israel generate significant tension. The Central Command identifies initial signs of a resurgence of Palestinian terrorism in a "lone wolf" pattern, with a series of incidents including a stabbing attack in the village of Auja, a ramming attack at the Gush Etzion junction, and a weapon theft at the Kikar Rimonim junction. The IDF is deployed across Judea and Samaria with reinforced forces of 25 battalions to keep the sector below the escalation threshold.