Israeli President Isaac Herzog and army chief Eyal Zamir have publicly condemned a spike in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, calling the attacks "shocking" and urging decisive state action. Recent incidents include the vandalism of a mosque near Salfit and arson attacks in Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf. The Palestinian CRRC reported 2,350 attacks last month, with human rights groups warning that violence often spikes during the olive harvest. Authorities have made a handful of arrests, and international figures have expressed concern about further escalation.
Israeli President and Army Chief Condemn 'Shocking' Settler Attacks in Occupied West Bank
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and army chief Eyal Zamir have publicly condemned a spike in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, calling the attacks "shocking" and urging decisive state action. Recent incidents include the vandalism of a mosque near Salfit and arson attacks in Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf. The Palestinian CRRC reported 2,350 attacks last month, with human rights groups warning that violence often spikes during the olive harvest. Authorities have made a handful of arrests, and international figures have expressed concern about further escalation.
01:45 PM, 11/13/2025Conflict
Leaders urge decisive action after surge in settler violence
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Israel Defense Forces chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir have publicly condemned a recent surge in violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, describing the incidents as "shocking" and calling for decisive state action.
Herzog said the attacks — which have included killings, beatings and property destruction — "cross a red line," urging that "all state authorities must act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon."
"We are aware of the recent violent incidents in which Israeli civilians attacked Palestinians and Israelis. I strongly condemn them," said Eyal Zamir, adding the army "will not tolerate criminal behaviour by a small minority that tarnishes the law‑abiding public."
Reports collected by local agencies describe multiple recent incidents. Near Salfit, a mosque was vandalised and flammable material was reportedly poured at its entrance; residents extinguished the blaze before it spread inside. In the villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf, dozens of masked settlers are reported to have torched vehicles, damaged farmland and destroyed shelters belonging to a Bedouin community.
Video footage verified by Al Jazeera shows vehicles ablaze while Palestinians attempt to put out the fires. Israeli police said four Israelis were arrested in connection with what they described as "extremist violence." In a rare escalation, some settlers also clashed with soldiers and damaged a military vehicle.
The Palestinian Authority's Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CRRC) said Israeli forces and settlers together carried out 2,350 attacks across the West Bank last month. CRRC head Mu'ayyad Sha'ban attributed 1,584 of those incidents to Israeli forces, citing demolitions, direct assaults and the uprooting of olive trees. The most affected governorates were Ramallah (542), Nablus (412) and Hebron (401).
Human rights group B'Tselem reported that settler attacks have become a daily reality in some areas, including shootings, beatings, arson, theft, road blockages and destruction of crops — actions that often intensify during the olive harvest from September to November, a crucial period for many Palestinian families' livelihoods.
International concern has been voiced as well. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expressed worry that rising settler violence in the West Bank could spill over and complicate international efforts to stabilise the wider conflict.
Israeli settlements are Jewish-only communities established on land Israel has occupied since 1967 and are regarded as illegal under international law. Today an estimated 600,000 to 750,000 settlers live in more than 250 settlements and outposts across the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, often in close proximity to Palestinian towns and villages.
Outlook: With senior Israeli officials publicly condemning the attacks, pressure is growing for security forces and civil authorities to clamp down on extremist settler violence. Observers say consistent enforcement of the law will be essential to prevent further escalation and protect civilians on both sides.