Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 21, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 21, 2023
IDF bolsters forces in West Bank after attacks
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Israeli security forces secure the scene of a shooting attack on Route 60, near Hebron, in the West Bank, August 21, 2023. Photo by (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
The IDF says it is bolstering its forces in the West Bank with an additional infantry battalion and two companies, following two recent deadly terror attacks.
The IDF says the additional forces will assist in the manhunts for the terrorists who carried out the shooting near Hebron today, as well as the gunman who killed two Israelis in Huwara on Saturday.
The forces will also be tasked with carrying out guard duty in the area, as the military fears that an ongoing escalation in the northern West Bank could spread to its south.
Following the deployment, there will be 23 battalions in the West Bank, a sharp increase from the typical 13.
