Haaretz: Army concerned Netanyahu escalating West Bank tensions before elections

Israeli military leaders are raising concerns that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be increasing tensions in the West Bank ahead of upcoming elections.

According to a report in Haaretz, citing military sources, officials fear the escalation could be a deliberate strategy to shift public attention from the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has reportedly expressed unease over the government’s intentions, emphasizing that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) should not be drawn into politically motivated conflicts.

The report follows a rise in violence in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian civilians and human rights organizations have accused Israeli forces of either failing to prevent or actively supporting attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. Recent months have seen a marked increase in settler violence, with incidents often resulting in Palestinian casualties and property damage.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent far-right figure in Netanyahu’s coalition, has publicly called for a more aggressive military campaign in the West Bank. His statements suggest a push for broader military operations that could weaken the Palestinian Authority and justify further security measures.

Military sources quoted by Haaretz indicate that Zamir and other senior officers are wary of being used as tools in political maneuvering. They warn that diverting resources and attention toward the West Bank could undermine efforts to address security threats in other areas, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Human rights groups, including B’Tselem and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly documented the rise in settler violence and the IDF’s role in some incidents. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, calling for accountability and restraint from all parties.

The Israeli government has not directly responded to the Haaretz report but has previously defended its West Bank policies as necessary for security. The growing tensions come as Israel prepares for elections, with Netanyahu facing scrutiny over his handling of the October 7 attacks and subsequent military responses.

As political pressure mounts, the IDF’s leadership appears to be navigating a delicate balance between operational priorities and political expectations.

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