Following the IDF's deployment of an additional battalion to Kusra this week due to growing unrest in the West Bank village, former Israel Navy commander Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eliezer Marom discussed the escalating tensions in an interview on Friday with 103FM.
"What is happening in Kusra is, in my view, a shocking incident," Marom stated.
"A small group of people is managing to tarnish the reputation of an entire country. This affects not only all the settlers in Judea and Samaria but also the broader context of this issue."
He expressed concerns about the current situation, saying, "There is a substantial settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria that has developed significantly in recent years. Yet, a small group of individuals is participating in actions that should not be tolerated and are acting against the law."
Police, not IDF should handle the unrest, said Marom
Marom emphasized that the police, not IDF soldiers, should handle the unrest. "The Border Police are designated to address these situations. IDF soldiers, who are compelled to serve under the draft law, are our children; they aren’t trained to operate as police officers. They are here to confront external enemies.”
“I believe the Israel Police should manage this incident in the same manner they handle haredi demonstrations in Bnei Brak,' he concluded.
He also pointed out that one of the residents injured during the recent unrest was a US citizen, adding an international aspect to the situation. "He is an American citizen whose family lives there, and look at what has happened."
Another October 7 on horizon?
Later, Marom addressed reports about Hamas rebuilding its capabilities and claims that conditions are approaching those that existed prior to October 7, suggesting a renewed threat to residents of communities near Gaza.
He dismissed these assessments, saying, "While it’s possible to conjure up fears, there is no risk of another October 7 taking place here. The IDF is currently stationed on the Yellow Line and is positioned in front of the communities, creating a significant perimeter of several kilometers. In my opinion, there is no danger of another October 7 at this time."