Israeli security forces on high alert ahead of Tuesday’s elections

Security forces are stepping up operations across Judea and Samaria (West Bank) ahead of Tuesday’s election, amid a series of recent terror attacks and heightened security threats, including last Friday’s deadly shooting near Hebron.

The shooting attack near Hebron in Judea killed two Israeli soldiers, IDF Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, and wounded three others. The two attackers were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. The IDF said the soldiers’ actions prevented a potentially larger attack against civilians. Footage released on Sunday showed the events leading up to the attack and the firefight that followed.

In a subsequent counterterrorism operation, security forces arrested 50 people suspected of terrorist activity, searched more than 500 locations and confiscated vehicles, weapons and other contraband.

Ahead of Tuesday’s election, the Judea and Samaria region is scheduled to be under lockdown for 24 hours or longer, beginning Monday evening, to prevent security threats on Election Day.

In addition, the Israel Defense Forces launched a major military exercise Sunday involving the Judea and Samaria Division, the 98th, 96th and 210th divisions and the Israeli Air Force. The exercise aimed to improve readiness, practice military procedures and apply lessons learned from the war.

The annual olive harvest is a recurring source of tension in Judea and Samaria. Despite several violent incidents this season, harvesting has continued peacefully in most areas, with Israeli forces providing security in the area.

The IDF emphasized that, despite some clashes, "incidents receiving increasing media attention account for only a small percentage of the olive harvesting areas in Judea and Samaria. The vast majority of coordinated olive harvesting operations protected by security personnel are proceeding as planned, without unusual incidents."

So far, approximately 220,000 dunams have been harvested in Judea and Samaria at over 100 coordinated olive harvesting sites under the protection of Israeli security personnel.

The IDF said that the estimated yield harvested so far stands at approximately 22,500 tons of olives, from which approximately 5,500 liters of olive oil have been produced, with a value of NIS 225 million ($73.10 million). 

"To facilitate the olive harvest season and prevent incidents of friction, violence, and terrorism, significant reinforcements have been deployed to the Central Command, including the 98th Division Headquarters, a task force headquarters from the Paratroopers Brigade, a regular battalion, and Border Police companies."

"These troops are deployed throughout the sector to provide optimal protection, counter terrorism, and prevent incidents of confrontation. Security personnel take a serious view of violence, criminal activity, and attempts by any party to undermine security in the area. They are working together to protect the region and enforce law and order," the Israeli military stated.

"IDF soldiers will continue operating throughout Judea and Samaria to thwart terrorism, protect civilians, and maintain stability in the area."

This article was originally published at All Israel News