Palestine: Israel Defense Forces sends reinforcements to the West Bank Dec. 22

Event

On Dec. 22, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it would send reinforcements to the West Bank following a situational assessment of the area. The IDF did not provide any additional information regarding the contents of the assessment; however, the statement comes amid heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israeli settlers.

The body of Esther Horgen, a resident of the Tal Menashe settlement, was found Dec. 21 in a forest in the northern West Bank. Police suspect that the killing was a terrorist attack committed by a Palestinian assailant. As of yet, no suspects have been apprehended. Security officials have expressed concern that the incident will trigger further violence, either in the form of additional terrorist attacks or reprisal attacks by Israel settlers. Israeli security forces stated that they have recorded at least 13 attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian property since Horgen’s death.

Also on Dec. 21, a Palestinian suspect attempted to open fire on a group of Israeli police officers stationed near Lion's Gate in Jerusalem's Old City. The officers returned fire, killing the suspect. In another incident over the weekend, a Palestinian suspect threw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli soldier near the Kedumim settlement.

Israeli troops will reportedly be tasked with protecting Israeli settlements and roads. It remains unclear how long the reinforcements will remain in the West Bank; however, tensions are likely to remain heightened through at least Dec. 31. The possibility of additional violent incidents in the West Bank in the coming days cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Exercise caution when operating throughout the West Bank. Heed the advice of authorities, including officers at security checkpoints. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt Israeli security forces to respond aggressively.