"A special task force from the Border Police will be stationed in the
northern Samaria region in order to prevent retributional violence from
settlers against Palestinians, to prevent damage to property and to ensure
public order," the Israeli military said on April 26.
The Israel Border Police has been deployed in raids against Jewish
communities throughout the West Bank. In 2009, border police accompanied
bulldozers in destroying Jewish homes and buildings deemed illegal by a
government directive that froze all construction in the West Bank.
Officials said the decision to establish the border police unit came in
the wake of a clash between Jews and Israeli troops on April 20. Israeli troops
sought to prevent a group of Jews from walking to a well frequented by
Palestinians, which led to a clash in which a soldier was injured.
"The decision was made due to violent confrontations during Independence
Day," the military said.
Officials said the new unit would include veteran police officers with
experience in dealing with Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank. They
did not elaborate.
"The force is expected to deal with complex challenges while
strengthening regional security," the military said.
