The controversial Israel Defense Force undercover units operating in the administered territories will be enlarged in the coming months, according to an unnamed senior military source quoted by the Israeli daily Ma’ariv.
Such a move will be made necessary because of impending Palestinian autonomy, according to the Aug. 7 report.
The IDF believes autonomy will create a situation in which the defense of Jewish life in the territories will be difficult and complex.
To this end, the source said, it will be especially vital to have units that are capable of operating against known terrorists without coming into friction with innocent people or in populated areas.
The two existing units, code-named “Duvdevan” (Cherry) in the West Bank and “Shimshon” (Samson) in the Gaza Strip, are suitable to the task, the source stressed.
The IDF rejects the criticism that has been leveled at the units and intends to strengthen and continue to operate them as a spearhead of activity in the territories, the source said.
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