IDF imposes West Bank closures, reinforces troops to prevent Election Day violence
The IDF began imposing special closures and roadblocks across the West Bank on Monday night to reduce tensions and prevent violence during Tuesday's Election Day, as security forces brace for potential terrorist attacks and incidents of settler violence.Troops stationed along the security barrier have been reinforced amid concerns over potential terrorist attacks, while additional security forces will be deployed to hiking sites throughout the West Bank.Brig.
Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division, has been overseeing operations in several locations over the past 24 hours as part of preparations for Election Day.The first measure involves imposing "breathing closures" and temporary roadblocks that allow controlled movement around cities, towns, and villages identified as potential flashpoints for violence.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article never says who the closures restrict: a complete ban on Palestinian workers entering settlements and industrial zones, and all land crossings shut to Palestinians on Election Day. Without this, a reader believes the closures are neutral safety measures that apply to everyone.
How we know
- Times of Israel reported“impose a complete ban on Palestinian workers entering all settlements and industrial zones on election day”IDF to impose lockdown on West Bank during Israel’s election (opens in a new tab)
- Deutsche Welle (English) reported“the closure of all land crossings throughout Election Day”Israel to close all West Bank land crossings on election day (opens in a new tab)
The IDF expects many Israelis to visit hiking sites in the area during the Election Day public holiday. As a result, additional troops will be deployed to secure hiking areas where visits have been coordinated in advance.
These measures are being implemented alongside operations led by the Paratroopers Brigade headquarters, under the command of Col. Roi Zweig, to combat nationalist crime in the Shiloh Valley, within the Binyamin Regional Brigade's area of responsibility.However, overnight, security forces were unable to prevent incidents of settler violence in the Binyamin region, including the torching of Palestinian vehicles.IDF working to prevent terror attack on Election DayMeanwhile, troops from the Judea and Samaria Division launched arrest operations in the Qalqilya, Jenin and Nablus districts to increase pressure on the ground amid fears of terrorist attacks.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article presents the arrests and planned demolitions as routine election preparation. It leaves out that they are part of a massive operation launched after the Hebron attack, which displaced hundreds of Palestinians and drew sharp UN criticism.
How we know
- CBC News reported“displacing hundreds of Palestinians and placing major restrictions on movement”Israeli military conducts massive West Bank operation, days before Israel election (opens in a new tab)
- Deutsche Welle (English) reported“was met with sharp criticism from the head of the UN”UN sounds the alarm over Israel's West Bank military operation ahead of election (opens in a new tab)
Security forces also conducted field interrogations and warned individuals accused of incitement.A security official told Walla on Tuesday morning that IDF engineering forces were preparing to demolish illegal structures, terrorists' homes and monuments as part of efforts to combat incitement to terrorism and prevent potential copycat attacks.
The IDF also decided on Monday night to reinforce troops along the security barrier amid concerns that terrorists could infiltrate Israel.Heller also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among security agencies on Election Day, including the Israel Police, the Israel Border Police in the West Bank and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).The increased coordination is intended to ensure a rapid operational response to any incidents that may arise.
Read the original article on jpost.com (opens in a new tab)