IDF fires commander filmed praying with West Bank Jewish extremists during Kusra siege

The IDF has dismissed a reservist commander for praying with Jewish extremists during a siege on the Palestinian village of Kusra, where his unit was tasked with preventing attacks and removing the extremists. The commander's actions were deemed "contrary to what was expected of him and contrary to the instructions given to him." His soldiers, however, were not reprimanded as they believed they were following lawful orders. This incident follows accusations that the IDF was indirectly supporting extremist violence, particularly after an August 10 video emerged. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has warned that Jewish extremist violence in the West Bank is "out of control" and has expanded forces in the area, including the Golani and Paratroopers Brigades, to address the escalating issue, which he attributes partly to insufficient police action against extremists.