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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is reportedly considering a reduction of its military presence in the West Bank following the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Ynet reported on Thursday.
After the October 7 massacre, Israeli troops increased security operations in the region, focusing on protecting settlements. However, officials are now exploring options to shift responsibilities to local security forces.
IDF sources told Ynet that no final decisions have been made, but months of meetings and security assessments have been conducted between the IDF Central Command and community leaders.
Central Command representatives emphasized that over the past two years, “security shaping operations” significantly enhanced technological measures around settlements and involved arming hundreds of settlers for self-defense.
Despite these efforts, Ynet noted that IDF officials acknowledge sustaining the heightened military presence implemented after October 7 may no longer be feasible.
The potential reduction has sparked concern among residents. MK Zvi Sukkot from the Religious Zionist Party warned the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, of “significant gaps” in settlement defense if the IDF scales back.
Sukkot’s letter highlighted that smaller settlements may lack resources to fund local security, calling it “unacceptable to suddenly impose such high costs on citizens for their personal safety.”
In response, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said comprehensive security assessments ensure communities remain protected. Officials noted that settlements are equipped with trained emergency response teams and reinforced defense infrastructure.
Meanwhile, political tensions are mounting. On Wednesday, the Knesset advanced a controversial bill to extend Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the United States.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that annexation could threaten the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which recently ended more than two years of conflict.
US President Donald Trump, a key facilitator of the ceasefire, also expressed strong opposition. In a Time Magazine interview on Thursday, he threatened to withdraw all US support for Israel if annexation proceeds.
The IDF’s potential drawdown in the West Bank comes amid these overlapping security and political challenges, with officials seeking to balance operational sustainability, settlement safety, and international pressure.
While local forces may assume greater responsibility, questions remain over whether the settlements can manage increased security duties without significant strain.
Authorities insist the changes would not compromise safety, emphasizing that technology, training, and emergency teams have strengthened settlement defenses.
The coming weeks are expected to bring further assessments and consultations, as Israel navigates post-ceasefire stability, settlement security, and international scrutiny over West Bank annexation plans.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members