Battalion recalled from refresher training due to Qusra, siege continues; Zamir: 'I instructed to prevent the incidents'
Although the IDF stated it had cleared the 'shed' erected by extremist settlers near the village in Samaria, the extremists remain on site. A resident whose family is under siege reported: 'There is not enough food, they are drinking water from a well.' The Chief of Staff ordered to reinforce the sector with an infantry battalion to restore order.
Extremist settlers who established a new branch of the Tel Talpiot outpost near Palestinian homes in the area of Qusra village in Samaria have not yet been evacuated from the site. On Wednesday, the IDF Spokesperson published a statement indicating that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered to 'prevent the continuation of serious incidents' and to 'reinforce the sector with an additional regular infantry battalion.'
According to the IDF, the Chief of Staff held a situational assessment with the Commander of the Central Command and the heads of the Operations Directorate. 'The battalion, currently in refresher training, will be deployed to the sector to strengthen operational control. Additional forces will be on standby. The activity is being carried out in coordination with the Israel Police and the Shin Bet to restore order and bring rioters to justice,' the statement read.
Earlier in the morning, the IDF reported that soldiers had cleared the 'shed' placed by the extremists, but additional individuals arrived at the site and blocked access roads with heavy rocks. The siege on several houses has now lasted for three days. Central Command Chief Avi Bluth also visited the site. Footage shows the settlers remaining in the area despite the removal of the structure.
Abd al-Karim Hassan, a Qusra resident under siege with his family, stated: 'They have blocked the only road to my house and my neighbors' homes. They act as if no law applies to them. My wife and children are trapped inside; there is not enough food, and they are drinking rainwater from a well.' Hamas official Mohammed Mardawi called on residents of the region to support the families under attack.
Security sources had previously signaled preparations to evacuate the outpost, though no official explanation was provided for the delay. 'In recent weeks, reports have been received regarding the illegal entry of Israeli citizens into homes and Palestinian lands in the Qusra and Jalud area. This is despicable activity that harms the local residents. Consequently, the area has been declared a closed military zone for non-residents,' the IDF stated.
