The Commando Division enters the West Bank: The unusual decision of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the activation of Division 98 in the Judea and Samaria area, which will assume regional responsibility for the Judea and Etzion Brigades. The unusual decision was made against the backdrop of recent attacks and concerns over escalation during the Sukkot holiday, the olive harvest season, and the elections. The IDF seeks to concentrate efforts and flood the area with forces.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir made an unusual decision to activate Division 98 (the Commando Division) in the Judea and Samaria area. The division will assume regional command over the Judea and Etzion Brigades, a move intended to strengthen IDF command and control in light of recent attacks. The IDF fears a security escalation in the coming days due to the Sukkot holiday, the olive harvest season, and the proximity to elections. The decision was made following the understanding that the Judea and Samaria Division would struggle to manage multiple arenas over a wide area. The IDF seeks to concentrate efforts and flood the area with many forces to prevent the realization of attack scenarios, including copycat attacks and incitement. An IDF spokesperson stated that the activation is intended to enhance defensive and offensive capabilities in Judea and Samaria during this tense period.