Israeli Army Reroutes Troops to Guard Settlers Entering Jericho Homes Without Permit

Israeli military forces were unexpectedly redeployed on Wednesday to guard Jewish families who entered eight homes near Jericho, according to the Israeli news site Walla!. The unexpected move required the diversion of approximately three combat battalions, originally tasked with other security duties including anti-smuggling operations along the Jordanian border. The families reportedly purchased the homes in Area C, which is under Israeli civilian and security control, adjacent to the Palestinian city of Jericho. The settlement movement Nahala, supported by the Binyamin Regional Council, led the initiative, which was kept secret until the settlers entered the properties. This method of acquiring homes, similar to operations in Hebron, bypasses coordination with security authorities. While Area C homes are on state land, their proximity to Area A, under Palestinian Authority control, poses a security risk, prompting the military's decision to provide protection. The army is working to establish a security solution for the settlers in the coming days. In a related development, it was revealed that President Yitzhak Herzog sent a stern warning letter last month to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Council head Shmuel Ben Ezra. The letter, dated October 8, cautioned against the escalating danger of "nationalist crime" in the West Bank and the potential for a national security disaster. The warning has also been distributed to senior IDF officials, the Attorney General, and the Foreign Ministry.