Five right-wing settlers arrested after attempted attack on IDF Central Command chief in Hebron

Five settlers were arrested, and the IDF condemned the incident that saw the settlers block military activities and harass the Central Command chief.

 Jewish settlers seen while Palestinian farmers pick olives during the annual harvest season, in the village of Burqa, east of Ramallah, West Bank, October 20, 2024 (photo credit: FLASH90)
Jewish settlers seen while Palestinian farmers pick olives during the annual harvest season, in the village of Burqa, east of Ramallah, West Bank, October 20, 2024
(photo credit: FLASH90)

Five settlers were arrested after dozens harassed and attempted to attack Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth on Friday night in Hebron, Israeli media reported.

According to reports, rioters chased Bluth and other officers who were with him and blocked the roads on his way to operational activity. They also shouted insults at him.

This occurred during the "Life of Sarah" Shabbat in Hebron, the Torah portion of this week in which Abraham buys the Cave of the Patriarchs.

Due to the central biblical event surrounding the holy site, this Shabbat has always seen an influx of Jews staying there.

 NEW OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth has his work cut out for him dealing with extremist Jewish violence and a rise in Palestinian terrorism.  (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)
NEW OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth has his work cut out for him dealing with extremist Jewish violence and a rise in Palestinian terrorism. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)

IDF condemns the incident

The IDF condemned the incident, saying it “denounces violence of any kind against its service members and views incidents of this type with great severity,” adding that “five rioters were arrested by the police, and the gathering was dispersed within a short time.”