The tour that was not coordinated with the IDF and the platoon commander who prevented a heavier disaster - investigation of the attack at Havat Gilad

The IDF assesses the security situation in Judea and Samaria as highly tense against the backdrop of an increase in the scope of terrorism. The terrorism is characterized mainly by local cells, some of them semi-military, and lone-wolf attackers. It is directed externally from Iran, alongside issues related to Turkey and the Gaza Strip, and includes the smuggling of weapons and terror funds entering the area.

As part of dealing with the increase in the number of settlements and outposts, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir made a decision two weeks ago to reduce the order of forces in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip and to transfer the Paratroopers Brigade to Judea and Samaria. Last week, the first battalion arrived, and currently, 14 regular battalions and 10 reserve battalions are deployed in the area.

The issue of outposts, especially the violent ones, constitutes one of the most significant challenges for the Judea and Samaria Division in its ability to hold the territory, provide protection, and maintain law and order. The expectation of a tense period is based on a combination of several events: the 'Bein HaZmanim' period and Tisha B'Av, the publication of the results of Palestinian matriculation exams, and the approach of elections.

A week of difficult events - that ended in tragedy

The chain of events began on Saturday at Havat Gilad. Contrary to initial reports, this was not an arson, but an incident caused by a cigarette being thrown on the side of the road. Later in the week, many friction events were recorded. On Thursday, an arson occurred near Itamar. During the firefighting operations, a civilian, a well-known figure in the area, was stabbed six times in his chest. Immediately afterward, a soldier was stabbed.

On Friday morning, a trip that was not coordinated in advance with the IDF went out, entered deep into Area A, and reached the southern part of the village of Tel. A shooting in the air took place, carried out by settlers, and the IDF is examining additional details regarding the execution of the shooting before the incident. Later, a violent confrontation developed between dozens of Palestinians and dozens of hikers.

With the start of the incident, the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division and additional reinforcement forces were summoned to the scene. During the violent confrontation, one of the terrorists snatched the weapon of a member of the standby squad and murdered a civilian. The investigation shows that the platoon commander from the 411th Battalion acted exemplarily, sought contact, and eliminated the shooter and another terrorist. Had it not been for the platoon commander's response and the pursuit of contact, the incident would have ended in a much more difficult way.

Extensive preparation for a tense weekend

In the summary of the incident, two dead and two wounded were recorded on the Israeli side, as well as 4-5 dead and additional wounded on the Palestinian side. The city of Nablus was placed under a full closure, and the IDF began a broad counter-terrorism operation throughout Judea and Samaria. The main task of the additional forces is to cool down the area, prevent friction and nationalist crime, and allow the security forces to act against the elements involved in the killing of the company commander and the civilian.

In the coming hours, extensive activity is planned against dozens of those involved about whom the security establishment has information. The intention is to arrest, thwart, and interrogate everyone involved in the incident. In addition, there is a reinforcement of forces on the roads, at junctions, and in the seam zone. Towards the weekend, very large forces of the Border Police and police are deployed in the sector. The security establishment is making a tremendous effort to ensure that the entry into the Sabbath and the beginning of the week pass peacefully and without additional exceptional events.