Israel Police on high alert after second night of W. Bank clashes

A cancellation of leave has been imposed on IDF soldiers of the Judea and Samaria Division due to the West Bank clashes, Israeli media reported on Thursday.

Clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank city of Hebron on May 12, 2021. (photo credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90)
Clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank city of Hebron on May 12, 2021.
(photo credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90)

Violent riots resumed Thursday night across the West Bank in a repeat of Wednesday night's hundred-protestors-strong riots in solidarity with the six escaped prisoners from Gilboa prison.

In light of the rising tensions and the manhunt still underway for the escapees, Israel Police announced a state of Level 2 alert - one before the highest level - tomorrow during Friday prayers, N12 reported.

The police are prepared to revert to a state of emergency if the need arises, according to the report.

 Israeli soldiers guard along a fence leading to the West Bank, as part of search efforts to capture six Palestinian men who had escaped from Gilboa prison earlier this week, September 9, 2021. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
Israeli soldiers guard along a fence leading to the West Bank, as part of search efforts to capture six Palestinian men who had escaped from Gilboa prison earlier this week, September 9, 2021. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and other Palestinian factions earmarked Friday as a “day of rage” in protest of Israel’s decision to transfer security prisoners to other prisons following the escape of six inmates from Gilboa Prison earlier this week.

The protests across the West Bank took place in Bethlehem, Jenin, Hebron, Gush Etzion and Nablus, beginning with Kalkilya.

Palestinian rioters then opened fire towards IDF soldiers at the Jalama checkpoint, located between Mount Gilboa and Jenin. According to Palestinian media, a young man was injured during the incident. 

IDF soldiers have been barred from leaving the Judea and Samaria Division due to the West Bank clashes, Israeli media reported on Thursday.

During the clashes, IDF soldiers captured a young Palestinian who was caught throwing stones, according to a report by N12. Additionally, a fire erupted near the industrial area of Gush Etzion, though it has been contained. 

Palestinians numbering in the hundreds clashed with Israeli troops in the West Bank the night before, in support of the six Palestinian terrorists who escaped Gilboa Prison earlier this week. The manhunt is still underway to locate the escapees, some of whom are believed to have fled to the West Bank.


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Khaled Abu-Toameh and Anna Ahronheim contributed to this report.