Retired General Criticizes Koseira Rioters, Urges Police Intervention Over IDF

Retired Major General Eliezer Marom sharply condemned the violent incidents in the West Bank village of Koseira, describing them as a small group tarnishing the reputation of the entire state and the settlers in Judea and Samaria. Speaking on 103FM on August 14, 2026, Marom called for the Israeli police, specifically the Border Police, to handle the situation rather than the Israel Defense Forces, emphasizing that soldiers conscripted under mandatory service are not trained to act as law enforcement officers. He compared the police's role in Koseira to their management of ultra-Orthodox protests in Bnei Brak.

Marom highlighted the significance of the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria, which has grown substantially in recent years, and criticized the rioters for acting unlawfully against this development. He also noted that one of the injured residents in Koseira is an American citizen, which adds an international dimension to the incident.

Addressing concerns about a potential escalation similar to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Marom dismissed such fears, stating there is no current threat of a similar event. He pointed out that the IDF maintains a strong perimeter along the "Yellow Line" near Khan Yunis and the settlements, ensuring security and preventing such attacks.

The comments come amid ongoing clashes between right-wing activists and IDF forces in Koseira, reflecting tensions in the region and debates over the appropriate security response to internal disturbances versus external threats.