Israel Boosts Forces in West Bank Ahead of Holiday Amid Terror Concerns
Central Command and the Israel Police's Judea and Samaria district are preparing for the intermediate days of the Passover holiday, a period expected to draw hundreds of thousands of Israelis to the region for nature sites, prayer locations, and various events. Amid heightened security measures and concerns of potential terror attacks by infrastructure or lone assailants, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has ordered increased operational readiness.
Key measures include reinforcing the Judea and Samaria Division with additional combat battalions, reducing Air Force standby times for rapid response, and transferring responsibility for the Judea and Gush Etzion brigades, particularly the area bordering Jerusalem, to the 98th Division under Brigadier General Meni Liberty. A senior military official explained this move aims to alleviate the burden on the existing Judea and Samaria Division command, citing fears of escalating terror and the need for troop augmentation.
This reinforcement is described as unusual, with a similar deployment last occurring after Operation Defensive Shield, when over 40 battalions were active in the area. Currently, approximately 24 battalions are operating in the region. Despite the increased preparedness, Central Command emphasizes there is no specific intelligence indicating imminent attacks.
No restrictions are currently planned for Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. However, a military source indicated that Central Command chief Major General Aviv Kochavi has instructed regional brigade commanders to independently assess the need for imposing roadblocks or limitations in their sectors, based on friction levels between Palestinians and Israelis, unusual incidents, and intelligence.
Simultaneously, Israel Police and Border Police officers in the Judea and Samaria district will increase alertness starting this evening along main routes, known friction points, and nature sites to manage any unusual events during the holiday period.
