Courtesy of JNS. Photo credit: IDF
Israeli soldiers gather during a visit by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to Judea and Samaria, Oct. 14, 2026
(JNS)—The Israel Defense Forces has deployed the 98th Division to Judea and Samaria to bolster security and maintain regional stability in response to a surge in intelligence alerts, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced.
Speaking during an operational briefing at Central Command alongside commanders from the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Border Police, Zamir cautioned that the potential for multi-front escalation has grown and emphasized that troops are prepared to swiftly thwart terror threats.
“The IDF is at a high level of readiness to launch extensive offensive operations against anyone who attempts to harm Israeli civilians,” Zamir said.
Zamir approved plans for continued operational activity in Judea and Samaria. He said forces had been reinforced across all areas and were preparing for attempts to catch them by surprise.
Addressing recent friction points in the area, Zamir also issued a strong condemnation of vigilante violence against civilians.
“Attacks and violence against innocent people do not reflect Israeli or Jewish values,” Zamir said, stressing that such acts must be eradicated, while pledging that IDF forces will preserve public order and ensure safety for all populations during the seasonal olive harvest.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is prepared for any scenario, including what he called a “turning of barrels” by the Palestinian Authority. He warned enemies not to test the Jewish state.
“Our enemies are thinking of testing us these days ahead of the elections,” Netanyahu said during a visit to the seam line area of the Samaria security barrier, referring to the Oct. 27 Knesset vote.
“I do not advise our enemies to test us,” the premier said. “You will encounter a force here that you never dreamed of.”
