Israeli Commander Briefed on Settler Entry to Homes Near Jericho, Sources Say
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Sources claim Israeli Central Command chief Yehuda Bloch was briefed on settlers entering homes near Jericho, contradicting official denials. Bloch met with an officer and settlers before the move, which involved securing eight houses in Area C.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Israeli Central Command chief Yehuda Bloch was reportedly briefed on settlers entering homes near Jericho.
- Bloch denied the claims, and an IDF spokesperson called them false.
- Palestinians reported Israeli forces blocking access to homes and agricultural lands.
- Rights groups warned of potential additional security burdens and a situation similar to Hebron.
Sources familiar with the matter reported that the Commander of the Israeli Central Command, Yehuda Bloch, was informed in advance about the plan for settlers to enter homes near Jericho. This contradicts the official military narrative that the army was unaware of or did not coordinate the move.
However, Bloch denied these claims, stating his meeting with the officer concerned unrelated matters.
Jericho Governor Hussein Hamayel questioned the settlers' account of the purchase, stating the land belongs to the Palestinian Authority and cannot be sold. Reports indicate a dispute over the ownership of the properties and the documents used for the purchase. Some residents reportedly left their homes fearing attacks, and there were reports of Palestinians being stoned and a foreign activist injured.
Officials from the Binyamin Regional Council described the Jericho entry as part of "dismantling the Oslo Accords" by expanding settlement presence. Israeli rights groups warned that a settlement outpost there could impose additional security burdens on the army and create a situation similar to Hebron.
Following the settlers' entry, the IDF initially stated the move was uncoordinated and unauthorized, and that the purchase and security implications were being examined. However, the reports of Bloch's prior knowledge raise questions about the accuracy of the official military account and the Central Command's role in the preparations.
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