The security situation in the West Bank is always at a crossroads. For the past eight months, the IDF Central Command has acted decisively to prevent an escalation in violence and possible terror attacks in central Israel. However, the situation in the area can erupt at any moment amid incitement and efforts by Hamas to bring tensions there to a boil.
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Itamar Ben-Gvir, Herzi Halevi, Bezalel Smotrich
(Photo: Menahem Kahana / AFP, Alex Kolomoisky )
On Friday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was heard on audio recordings, telling his followers that his plans to usurp more control over the West Bank in what can be considered a de facto annexation, was advancing and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was fully on board.
While Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir were advancing their policies, a campaign by settlers was launched, against the military's efforts to block any of their illegal actions, branding the head of the military's Central Command as a "traitor" and as divisions deployed there were being exchanged, terrorists were still able to march armed on city streets in a show of force, just an our away from central Israel.
IDF forces operating in the West Bank
(Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Until October 7, the West Bank served as the IDF's primary front in the fight against terror. This began nearly two years ago with a series of terror attacks that were perpetrated in the heart of the country and claimed many Israeli lives, prompting the IDF to launch "Operation Breaking Waves." Nevertheless, the army avoided aggressive incursions into the heart of the refugee camps and refrained from targeted airstrikes. Overall, the government pursued a policy of containment against terror to avoid escalations in the West Bank and rocket launches from Gaza.
Airstrikes
This policy changed completely after the Hamas massacre. At the beginning of the war, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi asked Head of Central Command Yehuda Fuchs to maintain the West Bank as a secondary front and not to escalate things to an intifada. Fuchs and Brig. Gen. Avi Blot, the then-West Bank Brigade commander, were very concerned about an October 7 happening in the West Bank and acted accordingly.
Thousands of soldiers were recruited for reserve duty, doubling the defensive force in settlements and strategic corridors. Firearms were distributed as part of the government's initiative, including to farmers and settlers. Finally, the IDF created a buffer zone between the settlements and villages to strengthen defenses and be in a better position for raids and arrests.
The IDF and Shin Bet launched aggressive incursions within the camps with operations sometimes lasting two or even three days. They dismantled infrastructure, conducted airstrikes, and arrested senior Hamas figures in the West Bank. Since the beginning of the war, more than 500 terrorists have been killed. More than 300 major terror attacks were thwarted, and about 4,200 Palestinians were arrested. During the operation, the IDF confiscated 800 weapons and approximately 25 million shekels.
It remains unclear whether Israel wants to maintain the Palestinian Authority depending on on whom you ask. The security establishment agrees that a strong Palestinian Authority can maintain security and stability throughout the West Bank. If the Palestinian Authority's strength collapses, Hamas' power will only increase.
According to intelligence officials, Iran and Hamas are funneling large sums of money into the West Bank to spur violence and attack civilians and soldiers. It is Sinwar and the Islamic Republic's desire to see Palestinian terrorist attacks take place in central Israel as well as in the West Bank. The next stage would be inciting violence between Jews and Arab Israelis, in the name of Islam and the assault on al-Aqsa to create a mega Intifada.
The economic situation in the Palestinian Authority is dire, and Palestinian security officials have been receiving 60% of their wages for many months, and some even less. Many employees are forced to seek additional income, some even leaving their jobs. Hamas officials are trying to recruit young Palestinians throughout the West Bank to carry out terror against Israel and use money as an incentive.
Both Shin Bet and the IDF warned the government the PA is in bad shape and on the brink of collapse. However, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are advancing their plans for the West Bank with Smotrich to take control over the region from the IDF. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir refuses to employ Palestinian workers in Israel. The Civil administration of the West Bank has come up with solutions to offset the collapse of the Palestinian Authority such as allowing Arab Israelis to enter the West Bank to stimulate the economy.
Nevertheless, with the economic situation quickly deteriorating and Hamas recruiting destitute youths for a career as a terrorist, the security establishment fears that dealing with the West Bank will hinder war efforts in the south and in the north, forcing the IDF to deploy precious forces in the West Bank.