Israel’s military has defended the decision of its Central Command chief, Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth, to clear a large number of trees in the Al-Mughayir village near Ramallah as necessary for improved security oversight. The move came after a terrorist attack in which a Palestinian shot and killed a 14-year-old Israeli civilian.
The IDF said the tree removal was also aimed at preventing future attacks by intercepting terrorists and catching them before they can carry out harm. Critics, including Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken, have accused Bluth of using collective punishment to deter Palestinian terrorism.
However, the IDF claims that the decision was based on a need to address ongoing terrorist incidents in the area, including rock-throwing attacks and the creation of improvised explosive devices. The military says it has seen an 85% drop in terror since implementing new security policies in the West Bank.
The move has drawn criticism from Palestinians, who claim that every house was inspected and many homes were ransacked without justification. The policy is part of a broader effort by Israel to destroy areas deemed hotbeds of terrorism.
International officials are also taking notice, with some suggesting adding alleged crimes by the IDF in the West Bank to their cases against Israel. However, all current charges have been related to Gaza.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-865186