IDF fires commander after seen praying with West Bank Jewish extremists at Kusra

Key Points:

• The IDF fired a reservist commander after he and his soldiers were filmed praying with Jewish extremists involved in attacking and besieging Palestinian civilians in the West Bank village of Kusra, where the unit was tasked with preventing such violence.
• The siege began on August 9, with continued tensions despite increased IDF protection for Palestinians; accusations arose that the IDF was indirectly supporting extremist violence, though other troops removed an illegal outpost multiple times.
• The commander was dismissed for conduct contrary to orders to avoid identifying with extremists, while his soldiers were not punished as they believed they were following lawful orders; the commander may continue serving but not in command roles.
• Jewish extremists have continued returning to the area, including temporarily taking over a Palestinian house and attacking journalists, but few arrests have been made under the current police leadership aligned with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
• IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir is doubling forces in Judea and Samaria ahead of the High Holy Days, warning that extremist violence is out of control and calling for stronger government support, while a Religious Zionist Party MK's unauthorized destruction of a Palestinian monument has sparked international condemnation.