Kobi Heller (picture above): The Unseen Force Driving Settlement Restrictions in Judea and Samaria
Commentary by Elisha Yered, Activist for the Resettlement of Eretz Yisrael
Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth frequently steps into the public spotlight and absorbs criticism, even on matters that have little or nothing to do with him.
This has enabled Kobi Heller, commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, to remain largely out of public view. Since assuming the role about a year ago, Heller has quietly blocked Bluth’s decisions when they supported settlements, pressured brigade commanders to adopt a more restrictive approach, and issued aggressive orders from behind the scenes while carefully avoiding official signatures or open statements.
He has ordered nearly ten evacuations and demolitions of outposts and homes—some carried out with notable severity—and has prevented timely military responses after recent murders of settlers. Heller regularly provides anonymous briefings to the media as a “security source,” in which he criticizes political leaders for being too soft toward settlers and warns of a coming “intifada” and the potential “dangerous” collapse of the Palestinian Authority.
Leaders in the settlement community widely regard him as the main obstacle to progress. Some also connect him to Naftali Bennett and believe he may be positioning himself for advancement under a possible left-leaning government.
Posted August 17, 2026
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