Jerusalem Post / Israel News / Defense News World Cup, summer vacation could lead to increased West Bank violence, IDF fears “Watching the World Cup is currently the most popular pastime across the West Bank. Residents are watching games all night, which requires us to change our activity schedule,” a military source said. Follow us on Google Palestinian Morocco fans gather for a public screening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Morocco and Canada in Hebron, the occupied West Bank, on July 4, 2026. (photo credit: Mosab Shawer/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) By AVI ASHKENAZI JULY 6, 2026 13:22 Updated: JULY 6, 2026 13:53 The IDF’s Judea and Samaria Division has launched several broad operations in recent days to prevent a rise in terrorist activity and reduce growing friction between right-wing activists at farms and outposts in the West Bank and Palestinians.
The IDF expects the summer of 2026 to be especially challenging for troops operating in the area. The region’s daily routines have shifted due to a series of events that have drawn the attention of the local population, including the World Cup.
“Watching the World Cup is currently the most popular pastime across the West Bank. Residents are watching games all night, which requires us to change our activity schedule,” a military source said.
This picture shows a bullet hole on the window of a restaurant after it was burned down by settlers during an attack in the western area of the Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya village, south of Nablus, in the occupied West Bank on on July 5, 2026. (credit: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images) Increase in points of friction between right-wing activists and Palestinians The IDF has identified an increase in points of friction between right-wing activists and Palestinians, with both sides carrying out provocations against each other. Summer vacation has also increased the presence of young people and teenagers on the ground, while the start of the Three Weeks period leading up to the 9th of Av has added to tensions in the area.
In recent days, the IDF has increased its presence in areas of friction in the West Bank in an effort to reduce tensions and violent incidents between Palestinians and residents of West Bank outposts and farms.
Follow us on Google
Read More