IDF Special Forces Operation in West Bank Seen as Election PR Stunt
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
IDF special forces conducted a large operation in Judea and Samaria, including demolishing terrorist homes and confiscating illegal vehicles, which military sources claim was extended for election-related public relations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly rejected the IDF's request to end the operation earlier. The operation concluded this morning, with forces withdrawing to prepare for upcoming security needs.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF special forces operation in Judea and Samaria was extended for election PR, military sources claim.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz refused IDF requests to end the operation early.
- The operation involved demolishing terrorist homes and confiscating illegal vehicles.
- Military sources stated the operation lacked significant operational value.
- Forces withdrew to prepare for security during the upcoming 'Chayei Sarah' weekend.
An extensive IDF operation in Judea and Samaria, involving special forces units, was reportedly extended for public relations purposes ahead of the elections, according to military sources. The operation, which began about ten days prior following a deadly attack that killed two soldiers, involved demolishing illegal infrastructure and destroying the homes of the terrorists involved. Military officials stated that the operation lacked significant operational value, as the terrorists had already fled the area and removed their weapons before the forces arrived. The IDF also confiscated 25 illegal vehicles during the operation.
Despite the IDF's request to cease the operation about a week ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz refused. Military sources believe the operation was primarily for the political echelon's public relations benefit before the elections. The forces reportedly withdrew from the Hebron neighborhood this morning after completing the tasks.
The operation included forces from elite units such as Duvdevan, Maglan, Paratroopers, and the reserve Givati reconnaissance battalion, under the intelligence guidance of the Shin Bet and the command of the Judea Brigade and Division 98. The IDF stated that the withdrawal was partly to prepare for security duties during the "Chayei Sarah" weekend, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Hebron.
The IDF delayed announcing the operation's conclusion for hours, fearing a reaction from the political leadership, and only issued a statement after Arab media published videos of the forces' withdrawal. The counter-terrorism activity across Judea and Samaria continues.
