PM ‘firmly condemns’ attempt by Jewish extremists to attack top IDF West Bank commander

Two days after Jewish extremists in Hebron tried to attack IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “firmly condemns” the violence in a statement from the cabinet.

All cabinet ministers join the condemnation, says the statement.

“Justice must be done in all cases of violence against IDF officers and soldiers,” says the statement, adding that Netanyahu “appreciates the important work for the security of the country that Maj. Gen. Bluth is doing – especially these days.”

Several dozen Jewish extremists in Hebron for an annual pilgrimage tried to attack Bluth, who the military said was in the flashpoint West Bank city on Friday to secure the gathering.

Five suspects were arrested by police after they chased Bluth and the soldiers accompanying him, calling the IDF commander a “traitor.” The head of Central Command typically has a fraught relationship with settler extremists, since the army is tasked with trying to keep them in check in the West Bank.

The IDF said that the group of young suspects chased Bluth and tried to block an exit that the military needed for operational activity. No injuries were reported to Bluth or the soldiers with him.