Netanyahu Orders New Command Center to Combat West Bank Violence Amidst International Pressure
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the creation of a new command center to tackle violence by Jewish individuals against Palestinians in the West Bank, following intense international and U.S. pressure. The IDF has bolstered its forces and implemented economic sanctions, including vehicle confiscations, while awaiting further legal approvals for additional measures. Despite efforts to manage the olive harvest season peacefully, some clashes and theft incidents have occurred. The military estimates hundreds of offenders are involved in this escalating issue.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a new command center to address Jewish violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
- International pressure, particularly from the U.S., has intensified over the ongoing violence in the West Bank.
- The IDF has increased troop presence and is using economic tools like vehicle confiscations against nationalist Jewish crime.
- New regulations are pending approval to impose financial penalties on builders of illegal outposts.
- The IDF estimates 400-500 anarchist offenders are involved in acts of violence and property damage.
- Measures are in place to ensure a peaceful olive harvest, though some incidents have still occurred.
International pressure is mounting on Israel over the escalating violence by Jewish individuals against Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the establishment of a dedicated command center to address the issue. Israeli diplomatic missions abroad have been relaying warnings about the significant reputational damage caused by these actions, with senior diplomats stating that explanations are no longer sufficient for friendly communities and influencers, let alone journalists who are presenting graphic evidence. The United States, a key ally, has been particularly critical, reportedly rejecting Jerusalem's explanations. The directive to establish the command center, headed by National Security Council chief Shmuel Ben Ezra, indicates that Netanyahu has received multiple high-level appeals from the US.
Despite the international outcry, some within the Israeli government are reportedly prioritizing pre-election political considerations over tackling the violence, with some advocating for less intervention against activists. Yishai Haimov, sister of the Shin Bet chief and a candidate for the Noam party, even suggested closing the Shin Bet's Jewish affairs department. A political source noted that while law enforcement is not prevented from acting forcefully, the complexity of the issue requires extensive coordination between the IDF, police, Shin Bet, and other bodies, with relevant ministers not treating it as a top priority.
The IDF has increased its troop presence in the West Bank to combat nationalist Jewish crime more effectively and has begun implementing economic tools, such as confiscating vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of shekels. However, the military awaits legal approvals and signatures from Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Justice Minister Yariv Levin for additional regulations, including fines for illegal outpost builders that cover the cost of their removal. The IDF estimates there are 400-500 anarchist offenders involved, some committing acts of terror and others damaging property or initiating confrontations.
During the olive harvest season, the IDF has implemented measures to prevent friction, coordinating harvest times with Palestinian farmers and providing escorts, leading to peaceful harvests in 98% of groves. Despite these efforts, incidents of conflict and olive theft by Jewish residents have occurred. The military distinguishes between legal agricultural farms in Area C, which it credits with improving security, and illegal outposts. The IDF is also working to prevent the entry or deport foreign agitators involved in escalating conflicts.