IDF Focuses Heavily on Nationalist Crime in West Bank, Neglecting Terror
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
A senior IDF official stated that 30-45% of Central Command operations target nationalist crime, impacting counter-terrorism efforts. The military is establishing a new Border Police company to address this issue. The official criticized a ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior that permits the theft of Palestinian olives. Recent violence, including attacks on European diplomats and a photographer, has been attributed to Jewish rioters in Area B.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 30-45% of IDF Central Command operations focus on nationalist crime, not Palestinian terror.
- IDF is forming an additional Border Police company to combat nationalist crime.
- Rabbi Dov Lior's ruling permits theft of Palestinian olives, according to a senior officer.
- Masked Jewish rioters attacked European diplomats and Palestinian olive harvesters near Ramallah.
- Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was attacked during olive harvest clashes.
- IDF condemned violence against innocents and is investigating the incidents.
A senior Israeli military official revealed that between 30% and 45% of the Central Command's operations are dedicated to combating nationalist crime, diverting resources from counter-terrorism efforts against Palestinians. The official, speaking to Kan News on Saturday, stated that the IDF is establishing an additional dedicated Border Police company to bolster forces against this nationalist crime, with the unit expected to be operational next month following a decision by Chief of Staff Zamir.
The senior officer also commented on a recent ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior, which he said "gives backing to theft and illegal actions." Lior's ruling, published Friday, permits the theft of olives from Palestinian orchards in the West Bank, arguing that Arabs never legitimately purchased the land. He further described the act as a religious commandment to "demonstrate ownership of the land" and justified it due to "security dangers associated with Arabs approaching settlements."
The IDF emphasized that recent violent incidents occurred in Area B, indicating they were initiated by Jewish rioters. Earlier on Saturday, masked Jewish rioters attacked European diplomats and Palestinian olive harvesters near Ramallah, armed with clubs. Among the diplomats were French, Belgian, and Polish representatives, including the French Consul to Jerusalem. The rioters damaged a Belgian consulate vehicle.
These events follow a significant international outcry from the previous day when Heidi Levine, a photographer for The Washington Post, was attacked during clashes between Jewish rioters and Palestinian farmers at an olive harvest near the village of Khirbet Abu Falah in the Benjamin region. Levine required medical attention. IDF forces responded to the scene and launched an investigation, with the military issuing a condemnation: "Harm and violence against innocents is an intolerable phenomenon."
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