IDF Central Command chief warns of West Bank escalation amid holidays, cites ‘political declarations’

The chief of the IDF Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth warns of an escalation in the West Bank over the Jewish holiday season, with the convergence of other factors, including “political declarations,” an apparent reference to the recognition of a Palestinian state by Western nations and Israeli leaders considering annexing the West Bank in response.

“[There are] many challenges before us, the intense fighting in Gaza City, the defense in the north, and the constant struggle against terror in Judea and Samaria, and in addition, many vectors have recently converged that heat up the central arena, including political declarations, the holidays and the olive harvest, direction [of terror attacks] from abroad, and the inspiration and contagion of the lone perpetrator,” Bluth says at a ceremony last night marking 35 years since the establishment of the Border Police’s undercover West Bank unit.

“All these are not a reason for optimism, but I am full of hope, because I believe in you,” he says to the Border Police officers at the ceremony.