IDF Splits Command in West Bank, Assigns Division 98 to Key Brigades

The Israeli military is restructuring its command in the West Bank, assigning the operational command of the Yehuda and Etzion brigades to Division 98. This division, previously held in reserve after completing its mission in the north, will now be activated in the West Bank to bolster counter-terrorism and defensive efforts, and as a preventative measure against potential escalations. The transfer of responsibility is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with Division 98 completing its deployment and preparations, including briefings and meetings with local authorities, within the next 24 hours.

Military officials state that integrating Division 98 will allow for a more focused approach to security operations by splitting command and control within the region. This move is also intended as a proactive step to prepare for possible future developments. Preparations for this deployment began months ago, with Division 98 receiving initial orders and conducting drills to ensure readiness for rapid activation in the West Bank.

Lessons learned from previous operations in the West Bank and the division's experiences in other sectors have been incorporated to adapt its capabilities to the local security environment. Division 98 received its final operational orders on Thursday evening and has since been engaged in intensive planning and data gathering. Meanwhile, forces from the Central Command remain deployed throughout the West Bank, continuing counter-terrorism operations.

Over the past five months, the West Bank division has conducted approximately 1,500 arrests of wanted individuals, with about 320 arrests in September alone. During the same period, roughly 10,000 offensive operations were carried out in villages across the West Bank. The Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blout, has emphasized to his forces the importance of continuing with planned settlement events during the upcoming Sukkot holiday, alongside security operations.