Senator Marco Rubio warned that a recent surge in settler attacks across the West Bank risks spilling into Gaza and jeopardising the fragile ceasefire. Arson and assaults concentrated between Nablus and Tulkarm have targeted farms, industrial sites and a mosque, and some detainees have already been released. Critics accuse police of failing to act decisively, while Israel’s fragile governing coalition remains dependent on settler-aligned figures. Observers also question whether a proposed international stabilisation force — described as “not a fighting force” — could disarm Hamas or provide lasting security.
Rubio Warns West Bank Settler Attacks Could Jeopardise Gaza Ceasefire
Senator Marco Rubio warned that a recent surge in settler attacks across the West Bank risks spilling into Gaza and jeopardising the fragile ceasefire. Arson and assaults concentrated between Nablus and Tulkarm have targeted farms, industrial sites and a mosque, and some detainees have already been released. Critics accuse police of failing to act decisively, while Israel’s fragile governing coalition remains dependent on settler-aligned figures. Observers also question whether a proposed international stabilisation force — described as “not a fighting force” — could disarm Hamas or provide lasting security.
01:10 AM, 11/14/2025Conflict
US senator warns rising West Bank violence could spill into Gaza
Senator Marco Rubio
Palestinian communities in the West Bank have reported several days of arson, assaults and intimidation — concentrated between the cities of Nablus and Tulkarm in the north — coinciding with outbreaks of violence during the annual olive harvest. Video footage circulating online reportedly shows masked settlers setting fire to lorries; there have also been reports of a mosque being defaced and of attempts to burn it down.
Local authorities have made some arrests in connection with the incidents, but several detainees were later released, prompting criticism from residents and rights groups. Critics say the police and other security forces have been reluctant to act firmly against extremist settlers, in part because of political pressure and career concerns among officers.
“Certainly there’s some concern about events in the West Bank spilling over and creating an effect that could undermine what we’re doing in Gaza,” Rubio told reporters. He added that he did not expect the violence to break the ceasefire, and expressed hope that it would not.
The Israel Defence Forces’ West Bank commander publicly criticised the settlers’ actions as “intolerable,” saying they undermine local security. At the same time, Israel’s government — led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — relies on support from ultra-nationalist and settler-aligned politicians, among them Itamar Ben-Gvir, who serves as minister for national security. That political dynamic has complicated robust law enforcement against settler violence.
On the diplomatic front, debate continues over security arrangements for a post-war Gaza. Rubio said the proposed international stabilisation force would “not be a fighting force,” a position that raises practical questions about how an international mission could help disarm Hamas and ensure durable security if deployed.
The United States is reportedly preparing a revised draft resolution for the UN Security Council to address concerns voiced by Arab and other Muslim states about an earlier proposal. Israel — which did not fully defeat Hamas in recent hostilities — has expressed scepticism that an international force alone would be sufficient to maintain security.
Hebrew-language media have also reported that Jared Kushner, described as a key adviser on the peace process, is developing a contingency “plan B” should agreement on the current proposal fail.
Context: The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967 and remains central to any long-term peace settlement. Rising settler violence during sensitive periods such as the olive harvest exacerbates tensions and complicates diplomatic efforts to stabilise Gaza and the wider region.