An IDF task force is working to reorganize the borders of the area assigned to the brigades charged with protecting the Jerusalem periphery, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot confirmed Monday.
The IDF stressed that the process of reorganization was a response to a number of terrorist attacks in the Jerusalem environs and seeks to improve troops' operational efficacy.
Under the new plan, the Israel Police will not hand responsibility for security in any new area to the IDF, and the IDF will not be made responsible for security in any area populated by Palestinians or other residents that was not previously under its responsibility.
Furthermore, according to the new plan, the Binyamin regional brigade will be deployed across the entire Jerusalem-adjacent region, as assignment it previously shared with the Etzion brigade.
The new plan will also entail personnel changes: Binyamin Brigade Commander Col. Yuval Gaz will be replaced by Col. Sharon Asman, and Shimshon Battalion Commander Lt. Col. David Shapira will be named commander of the Etzion Brigade.
The IDF has also decided that Lt. Col. Sagiv Dahan – currently operations officer at the Judea and Samaria Division – will be promoted to commander of the Samaria Brigade. As part of the changes, the 900th Brigade will be moved to the Maccabim base.
A military spokesperson said Monday that the changes would lead to improved operational capabilities and interorganizational communication.
