Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Israeli Settlers Target Palestinian Villages in Occupied West Bank
Following the killing of a Jewish teenager, Yehuda Sherman, by a Palestinian driver on Saturday, extremist settlers launched a series of assaults on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The attacks, which involved setting homes, vehicles, and farmland ablaze, were reported by Israeli authorities as a retaliatory measure. Over 20 incidents occurred overnight, according to a defense official quoted by Israeli media.
Escalation Amid Regional Tensions
Settler violence has intensified since the U.S. and Israel’s military actions against Iran began on 28 February. The United Nations documented six Palestinian casualties linked to settler attacks since March 1, with the number rising further as the conflict progressed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed troops and border police to several villages after receiving claims of Israeli civilians engaging in arson and unrest.
Revenge Campaigns and Social Media Mobilization
Whispers of a “revenge campaign” spread rapidly through WhatsApp groups used by settlers after Sherman’s death. One message declared, “Jews won’t remain silent over spilled Jewish blood,” while another urged, “We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy.” Footage circulating online, though unverified by the BBC, depicted over 90 masked individuals in black entering Jalud village, with burning vehicles and shattered windows visible in other clips.
Human Toll and Palestinian Response
At least three Palestinians sustained head injuries during confrontations in Jalud, with some attackers also reportedly harmed. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported the incidents, highlighting the broader impact of the violence. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks as a deliberate effort to terrorize civilians and disrupt key infrastructure during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Security Actions and Criticisms
Israeli police arrested five settlers near Deir al-Hatab and noted an officer’s injury during clashes with security forces near Itamar. Yesh Din, an Israeli civil rights group, labeled the attacks “a night of pogroms,” accusing authorities of inadequate preparation despite prior warnings. The group’s statement on X emphasized the failure to prevent violence, citing “extremist violent individuals” as the core issue.
International Pressure and Domestic Condemnation
Weeks of unrest have drawn criticism from the EU and UK, which called for an end to the surge in settler aggression since the Iran war began. The UN reported that seven Palestinians have been killed by settlers and 18 by Israeli forces this year, with 15 of those deaths occurring post-Iran conflict. Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s center-left Democrats, accused the government of fostering chaos, stating, “While we fight in Iran and on the northern border, this government is encouraging total anarchy.” He linked the violence to “extremist ministers” and “dangerous encouragement” from top officials.
Protests and Continued Threats
On Sunday evening, Jewish settlers blocked roads in the West Bank, with unconfirmed reports of groups gathering near Palestinian villages. WAFA news agency noted that a car wash northwest of Nablus was set on fire, marking another instance of targeted destruction. Over 500 mourners attended Sherman’s funeral, including far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who faces sanctions for inciting violence against Palestinians.
