A new report in Haaretz brings new sources and quotes on how and why the settlers wield so much power over the IDF. Commanders in the West Bank have completely given up control over the situation ot the settlers:
1)Commanders are afraid to confront settler leaders or to act against soldiers and civilians who attack Palestinians. They fear attacks from right-wing ministers and MKs, and they fear Defense Minister Israel Katz will interfere in their promotions. Sources say that fear reaches field-level ranks.
2) Settlement council heads have direct, ongoing contact with brigade and division commanders, and sometimes with political leaders. Sources say these ties have gone beyond security coordination and become a center of power that shapes the army's priorities.
3) The IDF has the forces to reach incidents quickly. Sources say the issue is often not how long it takes to arrive, but whether commanders see violence against Palestinians as something that needs immediate intervention.
4) In March, soldiers from the Haredi reservist Battalion 941 attacked a CNN crew. Bluth suspended the battalion from operations, but its commanders were not removed. That same night the brigade commander visited the soldiers, encouraged them and prayed with them. Sources say this was partly a signal to politicians and settler leaders that commanders stand with the troops.
5) When soldiers or reservists are involved in shootings, the IDF and police often argue over who should investigate. Neither wants to be the one to arrest a soldier who could end up convicted and imprisoned. "Every commander and senior officer knows that arresting a soldier on suspicion of killing a Palestinian could, within hours, become the next Elor Azaria affair," a security source said.
6) Commanders tell senior officers they are afraid to use force against settlers. More and more soldiers report being physically attacked and threatened at friction points.
The IDF has completely given up control over West Bank policy. Settlers are the real bosses there.