The Israeli Defense Forces are preparing to place dozens of weapons systems across the West Bank that can be operated automatically or remotely.
According to a report from Israeli Army Radio, the Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station will be deployed to dozens of checkpoints, settlement entrances, and key control points. It will be the first deployment of the system that is capable of firing lethal rounds without human intervention.
The IDF previously used the Samson system, which can fire 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 12.7 mm rounds, .50 BMG machine guns, 40 mm automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles on the Israeli border with Gaza.
Since October 7, Israel has conducted a large number of military operations in the West Bank, killing more than 800 Palestinians. Tel Aviv has also stepped up its expansion of Jewish settlements and the destruction of Palestinian homes in the occupied territory.
The Israeli policy of increasing raids, building Israeli-only settlements, and destruction of homes has led to more conflict between armed Palestinians and the occupation forces.
Some Israeli officials have discussed Tel Aviv moving to annex the West Bank during the upcoming Donald Trump administration. “The year 2025 will be, with God’s help, the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said, using the biblical name for the West Bank. He added that he had “no doubt that President Trump, who showed courage and determination in his decisions in the first term, will support the State of Israel in this move.”
