Israel’s Smotrich calls for ‘war’ in West Bank: Rhetoric or real threat?

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are increasing their presence in the West Bank as concerns grow over potential terrorist attacks during the upcoming holidays. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis are expected to travel to nature sites, prayer sites, and public events in the area during this period. IDF Central Command and the Israel Police estimate that thousands of Israelis may visit the West Bank during the holiday.

In response to these concerns, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered several measures. These include reinforcing the Judea and Samaria Division with additional combat battalions, shortening the response times of the Israel Air Force, and preparing to respond quickly to rapidly developing incidents. The responsibility for the Judea and Etzion Brigade sectors, particularly near the seam line with Jerusalem, has been placed under the headquarters of the 98th Division, under Brig.-Gen. Meni Liberty.

A senior IDF official explained that this decision aims to reduce the burden on the Judea and Samaria Division headquarters, given fears of a potential terrorist outbreak. No specific warnings of planned attacks have been issued by the Central Command. Currently, there are around 24 battalions operating in the West Bank, compared to the previous operation after Operation Defensive Shield, when the number of battalions exceeded 40.

Despite these increased security measures, no restrictions have been placed on Palestinians in the West Bank. However, commanders of the regional brigades will decide whether to impose roadblocks or other restrictions based on friction between Palestinians and Israelis, unusual incidents, or specific warnings.

The Israel Police and Border Police in the Judea and Samaria District will raise their alert levels starting Saturday evening. They will increase their vigilance along major roads, known friction points, and at nature sites to respond to unusual incidents. Intelligence activity by the Judea and Samaria District Police uncovered 10 components, including an improvised weapon, M-16 rifle parts, and military equipment, in the Nablus sector. As a result, two Palestinians were arrested on suspicion of possessing and manufacturing weapons.