The "match" that could ignite Judea and Samaria, and Zamir's response: "We did not arrive prepared for the discussion"
The Chief of Staff and the Central Command Chief warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz that nationalist crime in Judea and Samaria is on the verge of an explosion. The IDF is concerned about the significant echo these events are receiving in the USA and the resulting American pressure, which has led to a slowdown in the establishment of farms in the area.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Central Command Chief Avi Bluth warned the political echelon that Judea and Samaria are on the verge of an explosion due to nationalist crime, noting that the multitude of incidents is diverting the army's attention from stopping terror.
During a surprise meeting at the Central Command attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, data was presented showing that while Palestinian terror is in significant decline, there is a marked increase in nationalist crime. Bluth stated that nationalist crime is "like a match that can ignite everything in a moment." When Netanyahu pressed the Chief of Staff for the army's plan in case of an eruption, Zamir replied: "We did not arrive prepared for the discussion to present this."
In recent days, the pace of evacuations of illegal outposts has led to rising incitement against senior commanders, including Bluth and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Kobi Heller. Despite the fact that Palestinian terror is at its lowest level in decades, certain groups have targeted these commanders, falsely claiming they are coordinating with the Palestinian Authority, when in fact they are following government directives.
Senior IDF command is deeply concerned about these events, which receive significant attention in the USA and lead to American pressure, resulting in a decrease in the pace of agricultural farm establishment. Senior officers described the situation as "getting out of control."
"The IDF carries out many settlement tasks, including building roads and creating spaces for residents according to political instructions," a senior source explained. "Nothing is delayed or stopped. The IDF is stretched to the limit, but we are forced to deal with these events that divert attention and are becoming increasingly daring."
