IDF Chief Orders Additional Infantry Battalion to Reinforce Security in Kossara Area

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment on Wednesday with the Central Command commander and operational chiefs regarding ongoing incidents in the Kossara area of Binyamin. Zamir instructed continued efforts to strengthen order and operational control in the region, including deploying an additional regular infantry battalion currently undergoing refresher training. This battalion will be sent to bolster control and prevent further serious incidents. Additional reserve forces will be available if needed.

The IDF emphasized that the operation is a multi-agency effort involving the Israel Police and Shin Bet, aiming to restore order, maintain security, and hold rioters accountable. Zamir also ordered all forces in Judea and Samaria to strictly adhere to operational conduct rules during these events, alongside ongoing counterterrorism and settlement defense activities.

The current military action follows renewed evacuations of tents erected by settlers near the village of Kossara, part of the expanding unauthorized outpost of Tel Talpiot. Despite multiple evacuations over the past two years, settlers repeatedly reestablished the outpost and recently extended their presence closer to Palestinian homes, prompting security forces to prepare for further removals.

The Kossara area has been a hotspot of tension, including a mosque arson attack months ago with graffiti referencing revenge for a deadly attack at Havat Gilad. The IDF spokesperson reiterated the army's firm commitment to maintaining security and order in the area through close cooperation with other security agencies.