In a strong condemnation of violence in the West Bank, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog described recent attacks by Jewish settlers against Palestinians as “shocking and serious.” His remarks followed a violent incident on October 31, 2023, when masked Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf, setting fire to vehicles and other property. Herzog’s call for an end to settler violence adds significant weight to a growing yet often subdued criticism from Israeli officials.
Herzog, who serves primarily in a ceremonial role, emphasized that the violence committed by a “handful” of individuals has crossed a critical threshold. He stated through social media that “all state authorities must act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon and to strengthen the IDF fighters and security forces who protect us day and night.” His comments reflect a deep concern over the escalation of settler violence, which has intensified in recent weeks amidst the annual olive harvest.
Military Response and Statements
Following the attacks, Avi Bluth, Chief of Israel’s Central Command, echoed Herzog’s condemnation. He referred to the phenomenon of settler violence as an issue stemming from an “anarchist fringe” within the settler community, which he deemed unacceptable. Bluth stated that such violence diverts critical resources from security and counterterrorism operations, calling it an “unacceptable situation.”
The Israeli military confirmed that soldiers responded to the settlers’ attacks, which included attempts to assault military personnel and damage a military vehicle. In total, four Israelis were arrested on charges of “extremist violence,” while the military reported that four Palestinians suffered injuries during the confrontations.
Palestinian officials, including Muayyad Shaaban, who leads the government’s Commission against the Wall and Settlements, accused the Israeli government of complicity in these attacks. He claimed that the settlers deliberately targeted Palestinian properties, including setting fire to dairy trucks and farmland. Shaaban called for international sanctions against groups that support what he termed “colonial settlement terrorism.”
Human Impact and Local Reactions
Residents of Beit Lid expressed their fears regarding the ongoing violence. Mahmoud Edeis, a local resident, shared his concerns about the safety of his family, stating, “It can’t be that we keep living our whole lives in a state of fear and danger.” His comments highlight the psychological toll that such violence takes on Palestinian communities.
In a more detailed account of the incident, Amjad Amer Al-Juneidi, who works at a dairy factory attacked by settlers, described the operation as well-orchestrated. “Their entry into the company wasn’t random. It was organized, and they had a fully organized tactic for how to carry out the burning,” he stated, underscoring the premeditated nature of the assault.
Data from the United Nations humanitarian office indicated a concerning trend, reporting over 260 incidents of settler attacks in October 2023 alone, marking the highest monthly total since records began in 2006. This alarming statistic underscores the increasing frequency and severity of such incidents.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, calling for accountability and protection for vulnerable populations in the region. Herzog’s call for decisive action represents a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing issue of settler violence in the West Bank.
