IDF Chief of Staff Warns Settlers Against Violence During Olive Harvest
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir deployed Division 98 to Judea and Samaria amid heightened security warnings and implicitly criticized settlers for violence during the olive harvest. He emphasized the army's readiness for offensive actions against those threatening Israeli civilians. Zamir stated that violence against innocents is unacceptable and vowed to maintain order and security for all populations during the harvest period.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir deployed Division 98 to Judea and Samaria amid security concerns.
- Zamir implicitly criticized settlers for violence during the olive harvest period.
- The Chief of Staff emphasized the IDF's readiness for broad offensive operations.
- Zamir condemned violence against innocents, stating it does not reflect the Israeli spirit.
- The IDF will ensure public order and security for all populations during the harvest.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment at the Central Command on Wednesday, announcing the deployment of Division 98 to Judea and Samaria amid numerous security warnings. While addressing the potential for widespread offensive actions, Zamir also issued a rare condemnation of "violence against innocents" during the olive harvest period, a statement perceived as an implicit accusation against settlers.
The assessment included senior commanders from the Central Command, Judea and Samaria Division, Division 98, and Division 96, along with representatives from the Shin Bet and Border Police. Commanders observed the area of the Judea Brigade, reviewing operational challenges and the missions of divisions operating in the sector.
Zamir approved plans for ongoing operations, emphasizing the need to thwart terrorism and maintain freedom of action for Israeli forces. "Given the numerous warnings across all fronts and the sensitivity of the period, the potential for escalation has increased," Zamir stated. "We have reinforced the forces and raised the level of readiness, and we continue to prepare for situations where they will try to surprise us. The IDF is highly prepared to move to broad offensive operations against any entity that tries to harm Israeli civilians."
Following the security briefing, Zamir shifted to discuss violence against innocents and the olive harvest. Although he did not explicitly name settlers or specific incidents, the juxtaposition of condemning violence with the olive harvest period was widely interpreted as a clear reference to Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria. This statement drew criticism for not including a parallel reference to Palestinian terrorism or the dangers faced by settlers, despite the assessment's focus on threats to Israeli civilians.
"Harm and violence against innocents do not reflect the Israeli and Jewish spirit, they must be condemned and eradicated with all the tools available to the State of Israel," Zamir declared. "We are in the olive harvest period. The IDF will continue to operate to enable the harvest, while maintaining public order and the security of all populations in the area."
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