IDF warns of rising West Bank tensions despite low terror levels
The IDF reports that terror levels in the West Bank are at their lowest since 2011, though officials warn of ongoing threats from Hamas-linked networks abroad. Increased friction is noted due to the expansion of Israeli communities and outposts in the region.
Why it matters
The expansion of settlements and outposts creates new security challenges for the IDF, complicating the management of the West Bank despite current low terror activity.
Despite the fact that terror levels in the West Bank are very low, the lowest since 2011, security officials warned on Sunday that Hamas headquarters in Turkey, Gaza, Iran, Qatar, Lebanon, and other locations will likely attempt to advance terror plots targeting Israelis and IDF soldiers.The low level of terror activity is attributed to combined operations by the Judea and Samaria Division, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israel Police and Border Police.Ahead of the holidays, the Judea and Samaria Division carried out extensive preventive operations, targeting not only suspects involved in terror activity but also incitement hubs, in an effort to minimize the potential for attacks in the area.IDF expands preventive operations amid rising frictionAccording to security officials, "the IDF enjoys broad freedom of action in Judea and Samaria, especially after it captured the refugee camps in the West Bank, established a presence there,…
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