Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir announced on Thursday an expansion of military forces deployed in the West Bank to maintain public order ahead of the upcoming High Holy Days. The reinforcement is expected to more than double the pre-October level of approximately 11 battalions, with previous temporary surges reaching up to 15-20 battalions. This latest increase aims to address rising tensions and violence in the region.

Zamir warned the Israeli government that violence perpetrated by Jewish extremist groups has escalated beyond control, calling for stronger support from political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He emphasized the need for government intervention to restrain provocative actions by political figures that could exacerbate the situation.

The announcement follows an incident earlier this week in the West Bank village of Madama near Nablus, where Religious Zionist Member of Knesset Zvi Sukkot, accompanied by an IDF escort, destroyed a monument. The monument reportedly honored members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and Palestinians killed during the Second Intifada. The IDF said Sukkot obtained military protection for a tour of monuments but then acted without authorization in demolishing the structure, diverting soldiers from operational duties. The act sparked international condemnation and criticism of Israel for what was described as state-sanctioned destruction of Palestinian memorials.

The IDF has also expressed concern over an increase in Jewish extremist activities across the West Bank. Military and security officials cited a prolonged confrontation involving hundreds of extremists in the Palestinian village of Kusra, which lasted nearly a week. Despite such incidents, law enforcement efforts to arrest and prosecute those responsible for extremist violence have reportedly declined. Officials noted that, under the leadership of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, police performance regarding investigations and indictments of Jewish extremists has reached troubling lows, with few arrests made, including in cases linked to Kusra.

Lt.-Gen. Zamir further criticized budget disputes with the Ministry of Finance, asserting that funding shortfalls have hindered the IDF’s ability to effectively secure the West Bank region. The build-up of troops and call for greater governmental backing underscore growing concerns within Israel’s security establishment over maintaining stability amid escalating unrest in the West Bank.