IDF Central Command Defends Handling of Kocra Violence Amid Settler Clashes

The IDF Central Command has responded to criticism over the recent violence and evacuation of illegal outposts in Kocra, northern Samaria, asserting that the military has effectively subdued Palestinian terrorism in the West Bank. Despite the tense situation, the command announced reinforcements around Kocra to manage violence, maintain public order, and prevent the spread of violence against Palestinian civilians.

The command emphasized that the Israeli government mandates maintaining the Palestinian Authority as the official governing body and coordinating security efforts with its agencies, a policy not decided by Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot but by the political echelon. The current government has not annulled the Oslo Accords, and the IDF continues to manage a complex conflict involving increasing illegal outpost activity, reportedly encouraged by some politicians.

According to Central Command, approximately 500 youths are involved in these activities, often receiving political, local, and legal support to evade consequences. Some illegal outposts have been evacuated nearly 30 times. Terrorism statistics show a decline: 847 attacks in 2023, 260 in 2024, 57 in 2025, and 20 so far in 2026, with corresponding decreases in Israeli fatalities.

The command also highlighted successes in dismantling organized terror cells and preventing armed marches, which previously occurred regularly at funerals. There have been no recent incidents of explosive devices planted on roads or attacks on forces in Palestinian towns. Following the political approval of 104 new settlements and 150 isolated farms in the West Bank, the IDF has increased its battalion count from 20 to 22 and maintains an offensive approach in coordination with Shin Bet, Border Police, and the Israeli Police.