IDF doubles West Bank forces for holidays, warns of rising Jewish extremist violence

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir announced a significant increase in military forces deployed to the West Bank to maintain public order during the upcoming Jewish holidays. The troop volume will more than double the pre-October 7 levels, growing temporarily beyond the usual 15-20 battalions.

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Jewish extremist violence has run out of control and that greater backing is needed from the government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others actively restraining political officials from provocative actions.

Zamir issued a stern warning to the government, highlighting that Jewish extremist violence has "run out of control." He stressed the need for greater backing from political leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to restrain officials from provocative actions. The chief of staff pointed to an incident where Religious Zionist MK Zvi Sukkot allegedly destroyed a monument honoring Palestinian militants during an IDF-escorted tour, despite assurances of an "innocent tour."

Adding to the concerns, IDF and Shin Bet officials report that Jewish extremist violence has reached new heights. They cite a recent week-long conflict involving hundreds of extremists at the Palestinian village of Kusra. Furthermore, these officials claim that police actions against Jewish extremists in the West Bank have hit "highly problematic lows" under the tenure of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with few arrests or indictments.

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Sukkot double-crossed them and destroyed the monument without authorization, leading to a global uproar and condemnation of Israel for state-sanctioned destruction of monuments.

Zamir's decision to deploy elite units like the Golani and Paratroopers Brigades to the West Bank raises concerns about potentially weakening defenses on the northern and southern borders. He cautioned that without stronger government support, even these increased forces might prove insufficient. The deployment also means fewer soldiers will receive leave for the holidays.

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police, after three years under Itamar Ben-Gvir, have reached highly problematic lows in terms of arresting and helping indict Jewish extremists in the West Bank.