IDF Spokesman Claims Drop in Nationalist Crime Despite Data Showing Sharp Rise in West Bank

A significant discrepancy has emerged between statements by IDF Spokesman Brigadier General Effi Deferin and security data regarding nationalist crime in the West Bank. In a podcast recorded last week, Deferin asserted there was a "significant and unequivocal decrease" in nationalist crime incidents in Judea and Samaria, repeating this claim multiple times despite the interviewer’s surprise.

However, military correspondent Doron Kadosh presented data showing a 60% increase in such incidents, with 660 events recorded in the first half of 2026 compared to 405 in the second half of 2025. The trend of rising incidents is also evident when comparing earlier periods: 440 events in the first half of 2025, 355 in the second half of 2024, and 316 in the first half of 2024. Additional indicators show an increase in attacks on security forces from 30 to 45 in the last six months and a rise in injured Palestinians from 82 to 140, with fatalities also reportedly higher than in previous periods.

The IDF clarified that Deferin’s comments referred to recent months only and not to year-over-year or half-year comparisons. They attributed the recent decline to coordinated efforts by the army, Israeli police, Shin Bet, and other security agencies. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that annual data confirms an overall increase in nationalist crime over the past two years. The IDF emphasized its commitment to transparency and presenting accurate data without distortion.

This debate highlights ongoing tensions and violence in the West Bank, with security forces facing increasing nationalist attacks despite official claims of improvement. The situation remains volatile, with no clear downward trend in monthly data from March to June 2026.