The Israeli military arrested six Israeli settlers overnight in the occupied West Bank after they reportedly assaulted security forces. This occurrence is further indicative of the growing strains in the area. Prior to Israel’s recent approval of the largest settlement expansion in 20 years, violence and unrest had already escalated significantly.
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are almost universally considered illegal under international law. In spite of this, the Israeli government has continued to advance plans for major expansion of settlements in this politically sensitive region. In late May, Israel announced the establishment of 22 new settlements, including locations deep within the West Bank and in regions from which it had previously withdrawn. According to Peace Now, an Israeli non-governmental organization, this expansion is the biggest such expansion since the signing of the Oslo Accords. This statute represents more than 30 years of monumental progress.
The political reality around these developments is toxic. Bezalel Smotrich, the powerful finance minister, has openly advocated for their annexation of West Bank settlements—emphasis on formally. Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose political party draws on the ideology of Meir Kahane’s banned group, is part of this right-wing coalition. Not surprisingly, earlier this month, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir were hit with sanctions. The UK, Canada, and other Western allies quickly imposed these penalties in response to Moscow’s objectionable actions.
The shocking turn of events came in recent days when settlers violently attacked Israeli security forces, forcing the military to detain six of those involved. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that during the incident, “terrorists hurled explosive devices at IDF forces.” To his credit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded appropriately—calling for a full investigation. In response, he insisted that a thorough inquiry be conducted into the settler attacks on security forces.
Yair Lapid, head of the opposition, condemned these attacks, stating that “the extremists who attack IDF soldiers who are guarding the security of the State of Israel during these difficult days are dangerous criminals who are aiding our enemies.” At the same time, Yair Golan went on to articulate a much deeper concern about the rise of extremist sentiments in Israeli society. He remarked, “This is not a marginal occurrence. This is a dangerous current that has taken deep roots. Even around the government table.”
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority, said he condemned the settler attacks. He argued that they’re part of the overall strategy by Israel’s extremist right-wing government to create more chaos and conflict in the West Bank.
The IDF has reiterated its stance against violence, stating, “The IDF and Israel Police condemn any act of violence against security forces and will act firmly against any attempt to harm security personnel carrying out their duty to protect Israeli citizens.”
As tensions increase, most are deeply concerned that the ongoing violence and settlement expansion will exacerbate a situation that is already highly volatile. The Israeli military had already escalated its crackdown in the West Bank. Consequently, thousands of Palestinians have been uprooted from their homes, and neighborhoods have been leveled in the struggle for dominance over the territory.
