IDF Boosts West Bank Forces for Sukkot Amid Security Concerns

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is significantly increasing its troop presence in the West Bank ahead of the Sukkot holiday, deploying an additional division to bolster security. This move, ordered by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, comes in response to recent attacks, rising nationalist crime, the upcoming olive harvest, and upcoming elections, all contributing to heightened tensions.

Despite the security concerns, holiday events, including tours and visits to heritage sites and holy places, are scheduled to proceed as planned, with tens of thousands of visitors expected. The IDF's reinforcement includes 27 battalions operating in the West Bank, with 10 specifically tasked with guarding the seam line, supported by the Air Force. Additional forces, including elite Maglan unit soldiers, have been deployed.

The IDF had initially considered reducing forces to allow reservists to be home for the holidays but opted for reinforcement due to the prevailing security situation. This decision reverses an earlier plan to decrease troop levels in the area.

Security coordination meetings have been held between the IDF, police, and Shin Bet to ensure a unified response to potential incidents. Division 98 has taken command of the Gush Etzion and Judea brigades, operating alongside the Judean and Samarian Division to conduct defensive, offensive, and counter-terrorism operations.

Concerns about the security barrier separating the West Bank from Israel have also been highlighted. The Central Command estimates that repairing breaches in the barrier, particularly in the Benjamin and Gush Etzion sectors, would cost approximately 1.2 billion shekels, though the political echelon has not yet approved the budget. The IDF and Shin Bet are also focused on countering lone-wolf attackers, who pose a more complex challenge than organized terror infrastructures, especially with the fear of copycat attacks during the holiday.