BICOM

The IDF Central Command has allocated 30 percent of its forces in the West Bank to deal with “price tag” related missions, according to a report in the Jerusalem Post this morning. These missions include deploying soldiers along roads in the West Bank to ensure that Palestinian cars are not stoned and stationing soldiers outside Palestinian villages to make sure that settlers do not infiltrate them.

Since the attack on the Efraim Regional Brigade headquarters by settlers on Monday night, the IDF has also established a rapid response force, which is responsible for protecting bases and dispersing crowds. The IDF have also recommended providing OC Central Command Maj-Gen Avi Mizrachi with 24-hour security and guards.

In addition to tactical changes on the ground, the IDF is working with the Israel Police’s to identify the source of funding for the so-called hilltop youth, who are believed to be the predominate force behind the “price tag” attacks.

In recent developments, a mosque was torched in the West Bank village of Burka yesterday morning. Graffiti sprayed in the mosque made reference to the Mitzpeh Yitzhar illegal Jewish settlement that was recently dismantled by Israeli security forces.

The IDF remain on high alert over the weekend in the West Bank to prevent any further attacks by settlers on army bases or Palestinians.