- BIST10011,585-1.16%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,183.60+0.06%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,537+0.64%
- October 19, 202617°
- BIST10011,585-1.16%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,183.60+0.06%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,537+0.64%
- October 19, 202617°
Settler attacks in the West Bank make Israel’s government a target of opposition criticism
Attacks in the occupied West Bank, including the burning of Palestinian homes and vehicles, have intensified criticism of Israel’s government. The Israeli army said that more than 100 people blocked roads in the village of Jalud and that two suspects were detained.
The burning of Palestinian homes and vehicles, the assault of an elderly woman and damage to property in the villages of Jalud, Qaryut and al-Mughayyir have brought the political debate over settler attacks in Israel back to the forefront.
Leaders in Israel’s opposition accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of encouraging settlers who carry out attacks against Palestinians. Opposition representatives argued that the incidents were deepening the loss of control and disorder in the West Bank.
Two suspects detained in Jalud
In a statement on Tuesday, the Israeli army said soldiers and border guards intervened in Jalud overnight. More than 100 people blocked roads, burned tires and threw stones at security forces, the statement said.
The army said efforts to allow a Palestinian family to return to its home, which it had been forced to leave because of earlier attacks carried out for nationalist motives, could not be completed because of the violence. It added that Palestinian-owned buildings, vehicles and other property were also set on fire.
The Israeli army said riot-control vehicles were used during the intervention and that two suspects were detained and referred for a police investigation.
Opposition criticism of the Netanyahu government
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats Party, said the government formed by Netanyahu, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir was “playing with fire.” Golan argued that the government had created an atmosphere of disorder and had become responsible for bloodshed by inciting extremists.
Golan said innocent civilians and Israeli soldiers would pay a heavy price for this policy, adding that the violence in the West Bank could not be considered separately from the broader situation in the region.
According to data from the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, 628 settler attacks took place in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in August.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yesh Atid Party, also condemned the incidents in Jalud. Eisenkot said a campaign of intimidation involving stone-throwing, arson and attacks threatened the safety of all residents in the area and hindered the work of security institutions.
Eisenkot argued that disorder and the loss of control had reached unprecedented levels under the Netanyahu government. He called for those involved in the attacks to be brought before the courts without delay to prevent similar incidents.
Netanyahu calls attackers “a handful of rioters”
In a statement on Tuesday, Netanyahu described the settlers involved in the attacks as “a handful of rioters.” He argued that they did not represent the settler community and that the settler community was law-abiding.
Netanyahu condemned the violence that caused security forces to be injured and called for those responsible to stand trial and receive the harshest punishment.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the violence in Jalud harmed the settlement project. Herzog called the burning of property, stone-throwing and the injuries suffered by soldiers and border guards unacceptable, and said those responsible must be held accountable.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the burning of property and the injuries to border guards in Jalud. Sa’ar said those involved in the attacks must be prosecuted and that they had harmed the settlement project and Israel.
The toll in the West Bank according to the Palestinian side
Palestinians argue that attacks by the Israeli army and settlers often take place under army protection. The Palestinian side says that since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, 1,206 Palestinians have been killed, approximately 13,350 have been injured and more than 24,600 have been detained in the West Bank.
Palestinians say the attacks in the West Bank have resulted in the demolition of homes and other structures, the burning of mosques and vehicles, the destruction of farmland, restrictions on farmers’ access to their land and forced displacement.
Mutual criticism between Israel’s opposition and the governing alliance is intensifying ahead of the upcoming general elections. Polls put the opposition bloc ahead of Netanyahu, but show that it has not reached the majority needed to form a government.
Debate over settlement policy in the West Bank
Israel has controlled the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967. The international community considers Israeli settlements established in the occupied territories contrary to international law, while Israel continues its settlement activities.
Since the Netanyahu government was formed at the end of 2022, it has provided unprecedented support to settlers, approved the establishment of 104 new settlement units and overseen the creation of 160 agricultural outposts in the West Bank.
Palestinians argue that attacks by the army and settlers are laying the groundwork for the annexation of the West Bank to Israel. They say such a step would weaken the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state envisioned in United Nations resolutions.
Stay Updated with Hilal Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
