IDF reinforces Judea and Samaria for Sukkot: 27 battalions and two divisions

Ahead of Sukkot holiday and against backdrop of recent attacks, Ogeda 98 command completed in recent days its operational preparation and received responsibility for Eztiona and Judea brigades, under direction of Chief of Staff Zvika Kochavi. It will operate alongside West Bank division in defense, attack and counter-terrorism missions. Chief of Staff decision received against backdrop of recent attacks, rise in nationalist crime, olive harvest opening and approaching elections.

27 battalions currently operating in Judea and Samaria, of which 10 responsible for seam line defense, and to district will arrive additional forces, including fighters from Maglan unit. Combat aircraft and UAVs will be available to Central Command if necessary, and regular battalions will remain on alert until end of holiday period. Holiday events, hikes and entrances to tombs of righteous will take place as planned, and tens of thousands of hikers expected to arrive in area.

Central Command emphasizes that main threat on seam line currently found above ground, because at several points fence breached and can be crossed relatively easily. According to command's assessment, repairing fence segments, especially in Benjamin and Eztiona sectors, will cost approximately 1.2 billion shekels, and political echelon has not yet taken decision to allocate budget.

According to report, more complex challenge for IDF and Shin Bet is lone operative, working without wide infrastructure. Following attack at Ein Ra'aya spring in which Netanel Shakarun z"l was murdered and attack at Bi'in checkpoint in which Neria Leiter was wounded, security establishment concerned about copycat attempts during holiday.

According to report, 27 battalions operating in Judea and Samaria currently, 10 responsible for seam line protection, and additional forces will arrive to sector, including soldiers from Maglan unit. Combat planes and UAVs will be available to Central Command if necessary, and regular battalions will remain on alert until end of holiday period.

Holiday events, hikes and entrances to tombs of righteous to take place as planned, and tens of thousands of hikers expected to arrive in area. According to command, at several points fence currently breached, making crossing relatively easy. Repairs to fence segments, primarily in Benjamin and Eztiona sectors, estimated at approximately 1.2 billion shekels, and political level has not yet allocated budget for this.