The IDF Reinforces Settlement Protection in Judea and Samaria

The IDF announced that it would provide more than 1,000 firearms to bolster area defense of settlements within Central Command, an effort led by regional brigade commanders and regional defense officers.

Central Command's regional defense system is comprised of a settlement defense system, regional defense battalions called up rapidly in emergencies to bolster the settlements, in addition to army and defense forces which have been reinforced and which protect settlements and transportation routes in times of routine and emergency. Defense forces are operating in accordance with ongoing situational assessments.

Direct dialogue is also being maintained between council heads and local security officers and sector and regional defense commanders at any given moment, with the aim of providing the best protection for the settlements and providing as orderly a situational picture as possible.

Earlier, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir instructed that police volunteers be armed to the maximum extent possible. Instructions were also given to expedite private firearms licenses, open up the weapons warehouses, and equip armed first response teams throughout the country.

Police volunteers - can apply to police stations. Reserve soldiers - via their units. First response teams - via local security officers and coordinators. Citizens for private licenses - via the firearms licensing department.