Violent Riots in Judea and Samaria – A Growing Threat to National Security

Violence by Jewish rioter gangs in Judea and Samaria is becoming a growing threat to Israel's security, harming security and political interests. The article analyzes the background to the escalation, the failure of enforcement, and the need for a comprehensive national plan, while criticizing the political echelon and the Defense Minister's refusal to use administrative detention.

Violence by Jewish rioter gangs in Judea and Samaria is becoming a growing threat to Israel's national security, according to an article by Lt. Col. (res.) Amit Aviram, former deputy head of the National Security Council. The events, which peaked last night in Jiloud, illustrate a loss of control by security forces over violent activity against Palestinians and their property, also harming security forces. The trend worsened following the events of October 7 and the war, alongside a tolerant approach by the political echelon that was perceived as a tailwind. The belated condemnations by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister are, according to the author, too little too late. The harm to interests is reflected in the security arena by diverting IDF manpower and resources, and in the political arena by condemnations and sanctions on individuals and organizations, with a threat of expansion to additional European countries. The author calls for a national plan including a change of approach by the political echelon, improved enforcement, and the reinstatement of administrative detention, while criticizing Defense Minister Israel Katz's consistent refusal to use this authority. The article notes it is doubtful whether the necessary actions can be advanced on the eve of elections, but the damage is worsening.