IDF Warns of Potential West Bank Uprising After Deadly Samaria Attacks

Following deadly attacks in the Samaria region, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed concerns about a possible widespread intifada in the West Bank, warning that the situation is on the brink of explosion. The attacks resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra, 27, from Herzliya and a local security team member, Binyahu Malt, with dozens of clashes reported between settlers and Palestinians afterward.

The IDF officially released the name of Lt. Col. Ezra, a battery commander in the 411th Battalion of the Artillery Corps, with his funeral scheduled for Sunday at the military section of Beit Dagan cemetery. Malt was laid to rest at the Havat Gilad cemetery, attended by hundreds including ministers Orit Struck, Itzhak Vissarlof, Amichai Shikli, and Ze'ev Elkin. Another young man was seriously injured and hospitalized.

The IDF announced the arrest of two terrorists involved in the attack in the heart of Nablus by Duvdevan Unit soldiers, guided by Shin Bet intelligence. Both were wounded during the attack and detained in a Nablus hospital before being transferred for further interrogation. The IDF confirmed the identities of all attackers and is actively pursuing their capture.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security consultation with Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Shin Bet head David Zini. Earlier, the Chief of Staff held a situation assessment with the Central Command chief and Operations Directorate head. The IDF ordered a broad reinforcement of forces to strengthen defense and capture all involved terrorists. Measures include a curfew and increased troop deployments across the area.

During the night, IDF forces operated in the village of Tubas, arresting suspects inciting terrorism and planning attacks. Over the past week, more than 80 suspects were detained in Judea and Samaria, including Hamas affiliates, stone throwers, and those involved in explosives and firebombs.