Top officers of the Israel Defense Forces conducted a situational assessment in Judea and Samaria on March 14, the second Friday of Ramadan, amid ramped-up security efforts during the month-long holiday.
OC Central Command Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth; head of the Civil Administration Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim; and Judea and Samaria Division commander Brig. Gen. Yaakov (“Yaki”) Dolf discussed the military’s operations in the region and visited the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and IDF checkpoints, among other places, with the commander of the Israel Police’s Judea and Samaria District, Maj. Gen. Moshe Finchi; and the head of the Israel Border Police for Judea and Samaria, Deputy Commissioner Niso Gueta.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement that alongside the military’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, “troops have been reinforced and wanted suspects have been apprehended.”
“Our mission, as always, is to provide effective defense that enables routine life and security for residents while also preserving freedom of worship during the month of Ramadan,” the IDF cited Bluth as saying.
“Significant steps are being taken to maintain security and public order during this period, including assessments and reinforcement of troops. At the same time, even during Ramadan, the security forces continue their defensive efforts across the Central Command area, alongside extensive counter-terrorism operations and the ongoing operation in northern Samaria,” he added.
Israeli security forces in Judea and Samaria over the past week killed three terrorists, apprehended more than a hundred wanted suspects, confiscated dozens of weapons and questioned dozens of terrorist suspects, the army said on Friday.
As part of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in northern Samaria, the forces conducted targeted raids in the areas of Arraba and Qabatiya, both near Jenin and in the Menashe Brigade’s area of deployment.
“Israeli security forces will continue to act against terrorism in Judea and Samaria to ensure the security of Israeli citizens,” said the military.