Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Israeli Settlers Launch Attacks on Palestinian Villages Amid Escalated Violence
Triggering Event: Death of Teenage Settler
The violence erupted following the fatal collision of an 18-year-old Jewish settler, Yehuda Sherman, who was reportedly struck by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on a quad bike. Israeli police are examining whether the incident was intentional or accidental. In response, WhatsApp groups frequented by settlers called for a “revenge campaign” to avenge his death.
Settler Attacks Surge Overnight
According to a defense official cited by Israeli media, over 20 attacks were documented in the hours after Sherman’s death. The escalation has intensified since the US and Israel’s military actions against Iran began on 28 February, with the UN reporting six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March.
IDF Responds to Reports of Extremist Activity
The Israel Defense Forces deployed troops and border police to several Palestinian villages Saturday night after receiving alerts about Israeli civilians engaging in arson and causing disturbances. Villages such as Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah were among those affected.
Footage and Evidence of Violence
Online videos, though unverified by the BBC, depict more than 90 individuals in black—many wearing masks—storming Jalud. Other clips show burning vehicles, shattered windows, and sirens as ambulances arrive. A photograph circulating online features the phrase “Avenge Yehuda” spray-painted on a building, symbolizing the settlers’ fury.
Casualties and Injuries Reported
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society confirmed at least three Palestinians sustained head injuries during confrontations with attackers in Jalud, with some of the assailants also reportedly harmed. Israeli media noted a WhatsApp post urging settlers to “Jews won’t remain silent over spilled Jewish blood” and another demanding “vengeance and expulsion of the enemy.”
International Condemnation and Domestic Criticism
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attacks, stating they involved “the burning of homes, terrorising civilians, and targeting vital roads during Eid al-Fitr.” Meanwhile, Yesh Din, an Israeli civil rights organization, labeled the assaults “a night of pogroms,” criticizing authorities for failing to prevent the violence despite prior warnings.
Arrests and Security Tensions
Israeli police announced the arrest of five individuals near Deir al-Hatab. One officer was wounded during an attack by civilians on security forces near Itamar. Officials emphasized “zero tolerance” for extremist perpetrators. Settlers also blocked roads in protest across the occupied West Bank, with unconfirmed reports of a car wash set ablaze northwest of Nablus.
Funeral Attendance and Political Backing
Over 500 people attended Yehuda Sherman’s funeral, including Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, who has faced sanctions for inciting Palestinian violence. Settlers continued demonstrations, with local news agency WAFA noting their presence outside Palestinian villages.
Global Calls to Halt Violence
The EU and UK have urged Israel to curb the rise in settler attacks since the Iran conflict began on 28 February. The UN reported seven Palestinians killed by settlers and 18 by Israeli forces this year, with 15 of these deaths occurring since the conflict started.
Domestic Criticism of Government Actions
Yair Golan, head of Israel’s center-left Democrats, condemned the recent assaults, accusing the government of enabling them. On X, he stated: “While we are fighting in Iran and on the northern border, under missile attacks and with many seriously wounded, this government is encouraging total anarchy. Jewish terrorism is spreading, exploiting the war, with the backing of extremist ministers and dangerous encouragement from the prime minister and the defense minister. This is a failure of responsibility for Israel’s security.”
“Jews won’t remain silent over spilled Jewish blood”
“We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy”
“While we are fighting in Iran and on the northern border… this government is encouraging total anarchy”
