The October 6th concept? Border Police (Magav) claims no need for 24/7 security in Jerusalem Envelope communities
The IDF will end the deployment of reserve soldiers who have been securing communities in the area since the war began due to threat scenarios similar to October 7th. The Border Police stated that responsibility for security systems now lies with the communities themselves. Local officials criticized the move, calling it disconnected from the reality on the ground.
In a letter distributed by the Border Police (Magav) to secretaries and security coordinators in the Jerusalem Envelope, it was announced that the IDF expects to end the activity of regional defense soldiers (Hagmar) — reservists who have been securing the communities since the start of the war — by mid-October. The letter, titled "Preparation for securing the Jerusalem Envelope communities after the end of Hagmar activity," reached the media on Wednesday.
While the IDF officially announced that the cessation of these activities would occur at the end of the year, Border Police and local community sources indicated that the deployment might end immediately after the holidays. Hagmar soldiers were stationed in Judea and Samaria at the outbreak of the war following intelligence reports and fears of security escalation after the events of October 7th.
Despite security assessments regarding threats to the Jerusalem Envelope and a severe report from the State Comptroller warning about flawed operational concepts and failures at crossings that hinder the ability to prevent invasion scenarios, it appears the Border Police is reverting to its previous stance.
"The Jerusalem Envelope Border Police commander bears security responsibility in the area and for providing police response in accordance with situational assessments," the letter states. "Alongside this, the responsibility for regulating the security system in the community, including determining its scope, mode of operation, and providing necessary manpower, is placed on the local authority and the community." The letter clarifies that there is no requirement from the Israel Police or Border Police to station a 24/7 security force in every community.
"This statement is disconnected from reality," a regional official stated. "The Border Police is responsible for the security concept and should guide how security is conducted. Is it conceivable that every community decides for itself how much security to station at its entrance? The Border Police is simply trying to shirk its operational responsibility and roll it onto local authorities."
Another official argued that the operational concept has always required 24/7 security for these communities, which are surrounded by hostile villages. "What has changed? Suddenly the communities are not threatened? After October 7th, the state should have increased security components, not lowered them. This points to a lack of understanding of the threats and the meaning of responsibility for protecting an area."
In response, the Israel Police stated: "The letter is intended to raise the need for operational preparation for the end of Hagmar activity, not to change or detract from the security concept. Border Police forces will continue to operate in the area in accordance with situational assessments and operational needs."
