IDF to Reinforce Judea and Samaria with Three Regular Brigades
The IDF is on high alert following warnings of regional escalation and potential nationalist crime. In two weeks, the Judea and Samaria Division will expand to 26 battalions, incorporating three regular brigades.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered an increase in readiness in Judea and Samaria, ensuring an additional division is prepared for deployment to reinforce the sector. This move comes amid warnings of regional escalation and concerns regarding nationalist crime that could spiral out of control.
"The Chief of Staff requested to create levels of freedom of action for any scenario, so that we do not waste precious time transitioning from leave and training to field deployment. In about two weeks, the Judea and Samaria Division will increase to 26 battalions. In total, there will be three regular brigades in the sector, including the Nahal Brigade, the Home Front Command's regular brigade, and the Paratroopers Brigade," explained a senior security official.
During the holidays, there is a sharp increase in the number of Israelis arriving in Judea and Samaria. Concerns focus on terrorist infrastructure and lone-wolf attackers exploiting the atmosphere to carry out strikes, as well as nationalist crime that could ignite the region.
Officials estimate that the increased force presence will reduce friction and improve control over violent hotspots. However, military sources warn that while units demonstrate high professionalism in counter-terrorism and security operations, they struggle when required to handle domestic incidents involving Israelis and friction with Palestinians.
"Better preparations are required, mainly mental, alongside clear instructions. Every young soldier was trained to fight terrorists, not to carry out arrests or detain Israelis. Therefore, this complex task of law enforcement must be transferred to the Border Police and the Israel Police," said a source familiar with the local dynamics.
Ahead of the elections, authorities anticipate extremist activity, particularly regarding illegal outposts. "One of the biggest challenges is young people who do not live in Judea and Samaria but arrive from outside to commit nationalist crimes. Without the integration of the army, police, Border Police, the court system, and the heads of the Jewish settlements, it will be very difficult to address these phenomena on the ground," the source added.
