Incidents of Settler Violence in West Bank Draw Israeli Military Scrutiny
Recent incidents involving Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank have led to increased warnings from military leaders and a series of arrests. These events include the vandalization of a mosque and assaults on Palestinians and a journalist, occurring amidst a broader context of rising violence.
Recent Incidents
On Thursday, Hamida Mosque near Deir Istiya in the West Bank was vandalized. Charred furniture and carpet were found outside the entrance. Imam Ahmad Salman stated that the attack was a message from Jewish settlers, asserting their ability to operate throughout cities and villages and to engage in violence against civilians and property. Graffiti found on the mosque's exterior wall read: "We're not afraid of you, Avi Bluth," referencing Israel's regional military chief.
Over the past six weeks, settler-related incidents have reportedly increased. The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented over 260 settler attacks resulting in Palestinian casualties or property damage in October alone, marking the highest monthly count since monitoring began in 2006. Human rights organizations indicate that settler actions against Palestinians have intensified since the commencement of the Gaza War in 2023 following the October 7 Hamas attacks. UN figures suggest that over 3,200 Palestinians have been displaced due to settler actions and restrictions since that time.
Other recent incidents include:
- An assault by a group of masked individuals on an industrial estate and Bedouin structures near Beit Lid, during which several trucks were set on fire. The Israel Police spokesman reported four arrests, with three individuals subsequently released.
- In the olive groves around Beita, Reuters journalist Raneen Sawafta was reportedly struck with a club by a settler while covering the olive harvest.
- Hamad al-Jagoub abu Rabia, a Red Crescent volunteer assisting Ms. Sawafta, sustained a head injury from a rock and required hospitalization.
- Afaf Abu Alia, 55, reported being beaten with a club during a settler attack while picking olives near Abu Falah. She received 20 stitches for a head injury and sustained bruises. One arrest has been made in connection with this assault.
Response and Statistics
Israeli security forces have been criticized by human rights groups for their response to settler incidents. Research by the Israeli human rights organization Yesh Din over two decades found that over 93% of police investigations into Israeli offenses against Palestinians in the West Bank concluded without charges being filed.
In response to the recent violence, Israel's chief of staff issued a strong condemnation, describing it as "a red line" and pledging "decisive action." Major General Avi Bluth, head of the army's central command, stated that violent acts by what he termed "anarchist fringe youth" are "unacceptable and extremely serious" and require firm handling.
The UN OCHA reports that of the 1,000 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the Gaza War began, between 20 and 32 were killed by Israeli settlers. During the same period, Palestinians reportedly killed 19 Israeli civilians.
Internal Israeli Perspectives
Some settlers, such as Amichai Luria from Ma'ale Levona, consider the focus on settler violence to be exaggerated. He characterized the incidents as "rare occasions" of "misbehavior" and stated his belief that most Arabs would align with groups like Hamas or Hezbollah, expressing a need for preparedness. Luria also stated a lack of trust in the Israeli army, citing a perception of disunity.
Conversely, Israeli activist Martin Goldberg, visiting Hamida Mosque in solidarity, described the attacks as "extremely major" and rejected the idea that they are minor. He alleged government and local council support for the perpetrators.
The increase in settler activity and responses from military leadership have also highlighted internal divisions within Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has distributed over 100,000 weapons to civilian security squads, including in West Bank settlements, and has advocated for the formal annexation of the West Bank. The government has authorized settlement expansion and legalized some unauthorized outposts, which are considered illegal under international law by many, though Israel disputes this.
Last year, Defence Minister Israel Katz reportedly banned the use of administrative detention for Jewish settlers in the West Bank, against the advice of Israel's national security agency. The Israeli army has now requested Katz reinstate this power to address settler violence. Administrative detention, which allows for detention without charge for renewable six-month periods, continues to be applied to Palestinians.
The Israeli army is also involved in a legal and political controversy regarding leaked video footage allegedly depicting the abuse of Palestinian detainees, a situation that has created friction between ultranationalist politicians and security forces.