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Zamir warns of heightened escalation risk, says IDF ready for broad offensive operations

Zamir approved plans for continued operations and stressed the importance of thwarting terrorism and maintaining stability.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned Wednesday that the potential for escalation has increased across multiple fronts and said the military has reinforced forces and raised readiness, including deploying the 98th Division to Judea and Samaria.

Zamir made the comments during an Oct. 14 situational assessment and operational review at Central Command with Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, Judea and Samaria Division commander Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, 98th Division commander Brig. Gen. Meni Liberty, 96th Division commander Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha and other military, Shin Bet and Border Police commanders.

“In light of the large number of warnings across all fronts and the sensitivity of this period, the potential for escalation has increased. In order to enable better operational control on the ground, we have reinforced our forces in all sectors, including deploying the 98th Division to the area in order to strengthen security and stability in the sector.”

Commanders reviewed operational challenges and the missions of divisions operating in Judea and Samaria during an observation in the Judea Brigade area.

Zamir approved plans for continued operations and stressed the importance of thwarting terrorism and maintaining stability.

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“We have reinforced our forces and raised the level of readiness, and we continue to prepare for a situation in which they try to surprise us. During this sensitive period, we must maintain vigilance and readiness on every front, preserve freedom of action and quickly thwart threats.

“We pursue and fight terrorism everywhere. The IDF is at a high level of readiness to transition to broad offensive operations against any party that attempts to harm Israeli civilians.”

Addressing violence against civilians during the olive harvest, Zamir said such acts “do not reflect the Israeli spirit or the Jewish spirit” and must be condemned and eradicated. He said the IDF would work to allow the harvest while protecting public order and all populations in the area.

Zamir also marked one year since Operation “Returning to Their Border,” praising the 98th Division’s role in operations to return hostages and commending the 98th, 96th and Judea and Samaria divisions for their service throughout the war.