"We have brought Palestinian terror to its knees": Despite the events in Qusra, the Central Command pushes back against criticism

The IDF Central Command is pushing back today (Sunday) against criticism surrounding the violent events and the evacuation of illegal outposts in Qusra, northern Samaria, stating: "The IDF has brought Palestinian terror in Judea and Samaria to its knees."

However, the Central Command clarifies that the situation remains highly tense. Forces have been reinforced around Qusra to maintain public order and prevent the spread of violence against Palestinian civilians to other areas.

It is important to note that despite political criticism against the IDF, the government requires the army to maintain the Palestinian Authority as a governing partner and to operate in security coordination with various PA mechanisms.

Contrary to claims made by politicians, this is not a choice made by Central Command Chief Avi Bluth, but a political-diplomatic decision of the government. For example, the Oslo Accords have not been canceled by the current administration.

Therefore, the IDF's methodology involves managing a conflict dealing with new movements on the ground that call for the establishment of illegal outposts—a phenomenon that, according to the Central Command, is increasing weekly with political encouragement.

This process involves approximately 500 "troubled youths" who receive political, local, and legal backing, allowing them to be released quickly if arrested. The Central Command notes that some illegal outposts have been evacuated nearly 30 times.

Central Command Data

• 2023: 847 attacks recorded.

• 2024: 260 attacks recorded.

• 2025: 57 attacks recorded.

• 2026 (to date): 20 attacks recorded.

• 2023: 41 Israelis killed by Palestinian terror.

• 2024: 35 Israelis killed.

• 2025: 20 Israelis killed.

• 2026 (to date): Three killed by Palestinian terror, plus one attack by an Arab-Israeli terrorist.

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No marches, no 'kativot'

The Central Command further claims that, unlike in previous years, the Judea and Samaria Division has dismantled the phenomenon of 'kativot'—terrorist forces organized into companies, battalions, and brigades. As a result of IDF activity, these elements have been killed, wounded, arrested, or have fled from refugee camps to surrounding villages.

Another achievement highlighted by the Central Command is the end of armed marches, which previously occurred at nearly every funeral. Furthermore, there have been no recent reports of explosive devices being planted on roads or thrown at forces operating in the heart of Palestinian cities and villages.

In light of the political decision to approve 104 new settlements in Judea and Samaria and 150 individual farms, the IDF's responsibilities have increased, with the number of battalions rising from 20 to 22. The command maintains an offensive approach in coordination with the Shin Bet, Border Police, and police forces.