As IDF troops begin moving into position, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has stated he experts zero fatalities in the event of an outbreak of Arab violence, referring to both sides. The IDF stresses it is placing a major emphasis on dealing with “price tag” retaliatory attacks by Jews against Arabs, adding there will be a zero tolerance policy here as well.

A number of hoodlums recently targeted an IDF command base near Beit El, resulting in significant damage to a number of vehicles. The incident was condemned by settlement leaders and politicians alike.

The IDF Chief’s comments to the media regarding expected widespread Arab violence latter this week exhibit an obvious symmetry, constantly warning of widespread violence but ironically warning Arabs and Jews alike, making an attempt to equate a possible Jewish response to widespread Arab unrest with the initiator of such events.

A number of battalions are being deployed throughout Yehuda and Shomron, and reserve duty battalions may also be activated if the situation deteriorates as many fear it will.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)