The IDF is signaling it may be a hot and violent summer in areas of Yehuda and Shomron as they predict renewed Arab violence and attacks. In line with the prediction from military intelligence, the IDF’s Central Command, which is responsible for Yehuda and Shomron, has just completed a number of preparedness exercises in areas of Yehuda and Shomron.
Channel 2 News on Monday evening 3 Nissan reported that military leaders are urging the government to release the frozen PA (Palestinian Authority) tax revenue, which is choking the PA financially.
Israel back in January 2015 announced it was freezing 500 million NIS in tax revenue in response to unilateral PA actions against Israel. That decision has been renewed monthly since. At present Israel is holding about 2.5 billion in PA tax revenue. IDF analysts attribute the breakdown in the diplomatic process between Israel and the PA as a contributory factor but believe the release of the tax funds would significantly reduce tensions. Some are already predicting the next “intifada”, the Arab word used to describe civilian uprisings and unprovoked attacks against civilians and military personnel in those areas.
Israel has increased the number of work permits issues to PA residents, a move intended to boost the PA economy and lower tensions.
IDF officials report a significant increase in attacks throughout Yehuda and Shomron, adding the Islamic Jihad is working hard to perpetrate attacks in those areas.
IDF commanders announced forces are ready for numerous scenarios, including renewed widespread confrontations and attacks.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
The IDf is a lot more visible than usual.
Work permits to “lower tensions”?? Har Nof, attack just recently in Tel-Aviv on a bus – who did it? – you guessed – those with work permits. I travel to and from the Shomron on public buses along with those who have work permits – and I will give testimony that tensions on the bus are very high until those with work permits get off.