The "match" that could ignite the West Bank, and Zamir's surprising response: "We didn't come prepared for the discussion"

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Central Command Major General Avi Bluth warned Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz that the West Bank is on the verge of an explosion due to nationalist crime. In a surprise discussion at Central Command, a decrease in Palestinian terrorism was presented alongside an increase in nationalist crime. Bluth warned that the crime is "a match that could ignite everything." Zamir admitted that the military did not come prepared for the discussion.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Central Command Major General Avi Bluth warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz this evening (Monday) that the West Bank is on the verge of an explosion due to nationalist crime. In a surprise discussion held at Central Command, data was presented showing a significant decrease in the scope of Palestinian terrorism, but on the other hand, an increase in the scope of nationalist crime. Bluth said that nationalist crime is "like a match that could ignite everything in a moment," and warned that the IDF's attention is constantly diverted to dealing with nationalist crime instead of stopping Palestinian terrorism. When Netanyahu pressed the Chief of Staff and asked what the military's plan is if there is an escalation in the West Bank, Zamir replied: "We didn't come prepared for the discussion to present that." The IDF is concerned about the significant echo the events are receiving in the US and the American pressure, which has already led to a slowdown in the establishment of farms in the area. Senior officers described that "the sector is getting out of control" and security officials warned that it is "on the verge of an explosion."

The "match" that could ignite the West Bank, and Zamir's surprising response: "We didn't come prepared for the discussion"