IDF Deploys Infantry Battalion to West Bank Amidst Ongoing Settler-Palestinian Clashes in Kuseira

A new outpost established by extremist Jewish settlers near Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Kuseira remains in place, despite ongoing tensions and military efforts to restore order. On Wednesday evening, the IDF spokesperson announced that Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir ordered measures to prevent further serious incidents and reinforced the area with an additional regular infantry battalion, which was called up from reserve status to strengthen operational control.

Earlier in the day, Zamir held a situation assessment with Central Command and operations chiefs regarding the events in Kuseira. The military is conducting a multi-agency operation alongside the Israel Police and Shin Bet to restore security, maintain order, and hold rioters accountable. Zamir also instructed all forces in Judea and Samaria to strictly adhere to rules of engagement during such incidents.

The situation escalated after extremist settlers erected a makeshift shelter near Palestinian homes, which IDF troops dismantled earlier Wednesday. However, more settlers arrived, blocking access roads with large rocks, effectively besieging several Palestinian families for three days. Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot visited the site amid clashes between security forces and settlers. Footage shows settlers sitting on sofas and mattresses at the location without the shelter.

Local Palestinian resident Abd al-Karim Hassan, trapped in his home since the settlers' arrival, told ynet that the settlers blocked the only road to his village and behaved lawlessly. He described repeated police inaction despite his complaints and said his family is running low on food and drinking rainwater.

The incident drew condemnation from Hamas, with senior official Muhammad Mardawi urging local Palestinians to unite with the besieged families against settler attacks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials including the head of the Yesha Council, Israel Gantz, and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich declined to comment on whether they would condemn the settlers' actions.

The IDF confirmed that in recent weeks there have been multiple reports of illegal entry by Israeli civilians into Palestinian homes and lands in Kuseira and nearby Jalud, prompting the declaration of a closed military zone for non-residents to curb disorder. The military is reportedly preparing for a possible evacuation of the outpost, following footage of soldiers praying alongside settlers, but has not yet carried out a removal operation.