Yossi Schwartz ISL (RCIT section in Israel/Occupied Palestine) 08.11.2026
The commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Balut, is responsible for the territories occupied in 1967 and, by virtue of his position, he is responsible for the security and welfare of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. His duty is to protect them from settler violence and allow them to cultivate their land, but in practice, Balut is enabling the settlers’ actions.
On Friday, Haaretz reported that Balut knew in advance that settlers intended to invade homes in Jericho and hid the move from the sector’s commanders until the settlers settled in the area after the invasion. However, after the settlers seized the houses, the army sent three platoons to secure the settlers.
According to another report, Balut ordered the closure of an area near the village of Burin and thwarted a coordinated visit by a delegation led by Ehud Olmert, which sought to help Palestinians with the olive harvest. The Palestinian harvesters were expelled by settlers who looted the olives. The Zionist army claims that the decision was made solely for security reasons.
Both cases show the military’s role, which protects the settlers who occupy homes, while Palestinians who seek to harvest olives on their land are left without protection, and the settlers’ violence becomes a reason to limit the safety of its victims instead of taking action against the rioters.
The Palestinians are waiting to see what the new government will do, and if it continues with the same policy of supporting settlers’ terrorism, it is likely a new Intifada will start.
Down with the state of Zionist apartheid!
The only democratic solution is a red democratic Palestine from the river to the sea!