IDF braces for more violence after day of terror
After an escalating number of terror attacks on Wednesday, security forces prepare for the trend to continue, but there appear to be no plans to restrict Palestinians' movements.
After a Wednesday full of several terror attacks throughout Israel, including two within the Green Line, security forces are expected to increase readiness all over the country.
Two Palestinians, both residing illegally in Israel, committed attacks on Wednesday, raising concerns among many that one terror attack will inspire another.
The challenge faced by the IDF, Shin Bet and police is to foil attacks ahead of time, although the attackers committed in the last few days adhered to the profile of the "lone wolf" assailant without a criminal background.
Some in the security forces have expressed satisfaction that the more severe incidents did not result in a high number of casualties, and attribute this to speedy, determined reactions on the part of soldiers, police and civilians.
Four reinforcement brigades deployed to the West Bank last Thursday will continue to be active over the next few days, according to two main modes of operation: An increase in nighttime arrests of those active in popular terrorism, such as leaders of riots, high-profile agitators and stone-throwers, alongside "containment" of the many ongoing riots in the West Bank. Forces have been instructed to halt riots from spreading to roads, towns and army posts.
In contrast to the Second Intifada, during which terrorists committed suicide attacks deep within Israel or made murderous infiltrations into settlements alongside enormous protests including thousands of rioters, it appears that there are no current plans to limit the movements of the Palestinian population.
The policy of the IDF's Central Command is to continue to separate terrorism from the local population, based on the perception that continuing the easing of restrictions on movement and working in Israel will be a restraining factor that can prevent a larger conflagration.
The reliance on the economic factor as an element to prevent escalation can be seen in cities like Qalqilya, next to Kfar Saba, where the IDF has continued allowing Arab Israelis to enter to conduct business.
