Report: IDF set to bolster West Bank forces after surge in settler violence | LIVE BLOG
Additional troops are expected to focus on the Ramallah area following attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters and the alleged assault on a Washington Post photographer
The IDF was expected to deploy additional troops to the West Bank on Saturday following a sharp rise in settler violence against Palestinians during the olive harvest, Walla News reported, citing a security official.
The reinforcements were expected to focus on the Ramallah area, with a security assessment due in the coming days. Recent attacks included the torching of Palestinian vehicles, theft of harvested olives and beatings, with no arrests reported in those incidents, according to Walla.
On Friday, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was allegedly assaulted near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence against journalists and said those responsible would be held accountable, but stressed that the circumstances remained unclear and were under investigation. He also cautioned against using “disputed incidents” to “demonize” West Bank settlers.
Israeli civilian injured in West Bank confrontation with Palestinians, IDF says
An Israeli civilian was injured following a confrontation between several Israelis and Palestinians near the Palestinian town of Beit Lid in the northern West Bank, the IDF said.
The civilian was evacuated for medical treatment. Israeli troops and Border Police officers were dispatched to the area and were conducting searches, the military said, adding that reports of additional injuries were being examined.