The Israeli military on Wednesday announced it was deploying additional infantry troops to Judea and Samaria and the Israel-Gaza Strip border over concerns that the release of US President Donald Trump's peace plan could trigger a violent Palestinian response.
The Palestinian Authority has rejected the plan even before its release, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stating he will now allow the American president to "strongarm the PA."
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The IDF said it was conducting "constant situation assessments" and will shift the troops' deployment accordingly.
Palestinians held protests throughout the West Bank on Wednesday, in and around the Jordan Valley, Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalqiliya, Tulkarem, Abu Dis, al-Bireh and Ramallah, but turnout was relatively low and most demonstrations numbered merely dozens of people.
The Palestinian factions had called for a "day of rage" and military sources said that clashes may take place in east Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount on Friday, following the prayer services, and near the southern border fence.
Local media reports said that Abbas instructed Palestinian security not to stop protesters from clashing with Israeli forces in the West Bank.
The IDF offered little details about the planned deployment, saying only that the troops being sent to Judea and Samaria are with the elite Maglan and Egoz commando units, while the Gaza Division would be reinforced with troops from the Golani Brigade's 51st Battalion.
The decision came after the military sent an additional infantry battalion to the Jordan Valley on Tuesday, ahead of the release of Trump's peace plan.
"Following ongoing security assessments, it was decided to reinforce combat troops in the Judea and Samaria Division and Gaza Division," the military said.
On Tuesday, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett instructed the IDF to remain on high alert ahead of the plan's release and prepare for the possibility of violence, as well as for the threats by the PA to not restrain or disperse rioters in the West Bank.
"Minister Bennett has instructed the troops to be prepared for the scenario of an immediate escalation in light of the presentation of the plan and the agitation of the street, without the cooperation of the Palestinian Authority," his office said.
