IDF braces for retaliation to Migron demolition, mosque burning

The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday continued to be on high alert for “price tag” attacks after the demolition Sunday overnight of three structures in the illegal West Bank outpost of Migron.

The IDF is concerned that settlers will launch “price tag” attacks - a term referring to acts of vanadlism, intimidation and violence carried out against Palestinian targets by extremist settlers in the West Bank in retaliation for the government’s removal of outposts, roadblocks, and other perceived anti-settler actions - in response to the demolition of the three buildings in Migron, amid earlier reports that settlers burned a mosque in Nablus on Sunday night.

Out of concern also over potential shooting attacks or other disturbances by Palestinian groups in response to Sunday's mosque burning, the IDF has deployed extra troops around both settlements and Palestinian zones in the West Bank, and has already reported incidents of stone throwing and an arson attempt in fields surrounding the Yitzhar settlement.

The IDF said it was also working with the Israel Police to is also working with the Israel Police to identify the perpetrators of the arson attack on the Qusra mosque, just south of Nablus, on Sunday night. The suspected “price tag” attack occurred at around 3a.m. Monday morning, just a short time after bulldozers entered Migron to demolish the settler structures.

Defense sources defended the dismantling of the illegal outpost, saying the Police acted in accordance with the law.

“This was the appropriate action against those who broke the law and who do not have permission from the court to be there," the sources said with regard to the settlers.