IDF Dismisses Commander After Video Shows Soldiers Praying With West Bank Extremists

The Israel Defense Forces announced the dismissal of a reservist commander who was filmed praying with Jewish extremists in the West Bank village of Kusra. The commander and his soldiers were stationed in the area to prevent attacks on Palestinians and to remove extremists from an illegal outpost. The IDF stated that the commander's conduct was contrary to his instructions, which explicitly ordered him to avoid any actions that could be interpreted as identifying with the extremists or supporting their illegal conduct. While the commander was dismissed from his leadership role, the soldiers who prayed with him will not face disciplinary action because they believed they were following lawful orders.

The incident occurred during a period of tension in Kusra, where Palestinians reported a siege starting on August 9. Reports indicate that extremists took over a Palestinian house and attacked global media members. While the illegal outpost where the prayer occurred was removed, Palestinians claim that extremists continue to return to the area. A center right source notes that the extremists may not be arrested due to orders from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to limit police intervention in cases of Jews attacking Palestinians.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has warned the government that Jewish extremist violence has run out of control. He recently announced an expansion of forces to maintain public order in Judea and Samaria. In a separate incident, the IDF stated that MK Zvi Sukkot destroyed a monument in the village of Madama after requesting military protection for what he described as an innocent tour.