IDF Chief of Staff Holds Rare Meeting on Jewish Extremism

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir convened a high-level meeting with senior security officials to address the escalating problem of Jewish extremist violence in the West Bank. The discussion focused on operational measures to curb the phenomenon, improve enforcement, and close intelligence gaps. A senior security official described the challenge as one where the IDF, as the sovereign power in the area, lacks the appropriate tools to deal with Israeli perpetrators, contrasting it with the military's training for combat.

"We don't have the tools to deal with them. You're deploying 'green' (soldiers) when the solution is 'blue' (police)," the official explained, highlighting the difficulty soldiers face when confronting Israeli civilians after combat operations. The official stressed that these are no longer isolated incidents but a national and international problem involving criminals who have lost control and are undermining state authority.

The meeting included representatives from the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police, including officials from the Shin Bet's counter-terrorism division, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), GOC Central Command Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, and Judea and Samaria Police District Commander Maj. Gen. Moshe Finci. This gathering underscored the understanding that combating nationalist crime requires a shift from relying on military forces for policing to a more integrated approach involving intelligence, police enforcement, and coordinated operations.

As part of the new strategy, a new Border Police (Magav) unit focused solely on nationalist crime will be established next month. In the interim, IDF soldiers will temporarily replace Magav forces at some checkpoints and positions in the West Bank to free up Magav personnel for enforcement duties. The IDF also aims to refocus its soldiers on security missions while increasing the police's role in handling criminal activity and enforcement against Israeli civilians.

Furthermore, the Chief of Staff ordered the re-establishment of an inter-organizational command to coordinate efforts between the IDF, police, and Shin Bet. This command will be reinforced with two Border Police companies. A significant intelligence gap was also identified, with officials acknowledging that violent incidents sometimes escalate with the arrival of reinforcements before security forces are even aware of the gatherings. The IDF is also examining the use of administrative restraining orders and identifying key perpetrators to better track and prevent future violence.

Additionally, Zamir instructed that IDF guidelines be clarified regarding soldiers' involvement in incidents, particularly those related to illegal outposts, even when on leave. Stricter punishments, including dismissal from combat service, will be imposed for such involvement, sending a clear message that military uniforms do not grant immunity. The overall effort aims to transition from reactive responses to a comprehensive action plan, with the true test lying in effective implementation and the ability to prevent incidents before they erupt.