Netanyahu demands IDF probe into drill simulating settler violence

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded an immediate inquiry on Tuesday into the IDF drill simulating the kidnapping of Palestinians by Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

The prime minister's demand came after the drill simulating the abduction scenario provoked opposition among several fighters who asked not to participate in the exercise.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu is demanding answers and an inquiry from the IDF into the training drill," a Prime Minister's Office statement read.

Netanyahu was quoted as saying that the "fictitious scenario is detached from reality, undeserving and does an injustice to an entire and dear public.

"I am not prepared to accept such insensitivity toward our brothers and sisters in Judea and Samaria."

Gantz to Netanyahu: Stop trying to harm the IDF

War cabinet Minister Benny Gantz criticized Netanyahu in an X post later on Tuesday, accusing the prime minister of "taking advantage of the incident to harm the IDF and its unity out of "unnecessary political motives.

Netanyahu's decision to react in such a manner, Gantz wrote, "also requires an investigation as well an apology to the IDF and all Israeli citizens."

Among the forces that were involved in the exercise were fighters from the Duvdevan unit and Shin Bet forces. At the same time, exercises were held that included scenarios of kidnapping soldiers, shooting incidents, and explosive devices, as well as a terrorist attack in one of the Israeli settlements by Palestinians.

Later on Tuesday evening, following a situational assessment with troops in Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated that the West Bank drill had been a mistake.

"The IDF is fighting on all fronts, and in Judea and Samaria, forces are contending with brutal terrorism in a complex environment," Halevi said. "The exercise conducted yesterday was intended to prepare the forces to deal with a wide range of scenarios in order to improve their readiness. However, the scenario in question should not have been practiced and was an error. We will investigate and learn, and we apologize to anyone affected by this. The IDF forces under the command of the Central Command, under the command of Major General Yehuda Fuchs, are working around the clock and at great risk to ensure the security of the residents. We will continue to work together for the security of the citizens of the State of Israel."