Head of IDF West Bank division: We won’t be silent on settler violence

The head of the Israel Defense Force’s West Bank division slams attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in recent months, during a change ceremony for the commander of the Binyamin Regional Brigade.

“Our mission is, first and foremost, to provide security and ensure that the IDF prevents terror so that the civilians are able to continue their daily routine. That said, we will enforce law and order,” says Brig. Gen. Avi Blot, the head of the Judea and Samaria Division.

“The IDF will not stand silent when lawbreakers enter villages, set fire to property and risk lives. For actions like these, we say loud and clear — this is unethical, not Jewish, it does not contribute to security and last week showed it is also dangerous,” he continues.

Addressing the outgoing commander of the Binyamin Regional Brigade, Col. Eliav Elbaz, who had come under repeated attack by settlers, including during a condolence visit to a terror victim, Blot says: “The fact that you, Elbaz, had to endure vilification by people who do not represent the community, as you arrived to pay condolences, is outrageous and worthy of condemnation.”

Elbaz says the past two years as the commander of the Binyamin Regional Brigade were the “longest, most intense years I have experienced.”

“Two years with over 2,000 arrest operations… two years of accomplishments and failures… two years of cooperation,” he says.

But Elbaz adds that during this time, “on the fringes of the community, there grew and developed Jewish civilians who behave in a criminal, unethical manner and shame me as a Jew.”

“Despite the enormous difficulty and the heavy personal price I knew I would pay, I had no doubt for a moment ever since, a leader and commander does not avoid confrontation, does not cut corners, and is at the front, especially when it is difficult and unpleasant,” he adds.

The incoming head of the Binyamin Regional Brigade, Col. Liran Biton, says he feels “privileged” to take command of the unit. “We have many challenges ahead of us,” he says.