An attack by more than 100 Israeli settlers on the village of Jaloud in the West Bank on Tuesday morning resulted in the injury of three members of the Israeli Border Force and prompted rare reactions from Israeli officials. This attack occurred amid increasing international criticism of settler violence.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
Settlers stormed the village while Israeli soldiers were attempting to return a Palestinian family to their home. This family had been forced to leave their home two months prior due to similar attacks by settlers. The Israeli military stated that "more than 100 Israeli rioters" were present in the Jaloud area and that military and border police forces were trying to disperse them.
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As a result of these clashes, three Israeli border police officers were lightly injured, and a security vehicle was damaged. In addition, one person was arrested and two teenagers were taken for questioning by the police. Israeli soldiers also reported that settlers blocked roads, set tires on fire, and threw stones at security forces.
Significance of Reactions from Israeli Officials
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, condemned the attack and attributed it to a "small group of rioters." He stated, "Their actions cause great harm to this community and disrupt our forces' mission." In this context, Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, described the attack as "a moral disgrace, an attack on the rule of law, and our fundamental values as a nation."
This type of criticism from Israeli officials regarding attacks on Palestinians is rare. According to United Nations statistics, attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including beatings, vandalism, and arson, averaged six incidents per day in the first half of this year.
In recent weeks, high-profile attacks against Israelis in the West Bank have also increased, including the killing of a settler by a Palestinian.
Israel has reacted diplomatically after sanctions were imposed by various countries such as the UK and the Netherlands against products produced in Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
Mahmoud Al-Tubasi, a member of the family trying to return to Jaloud, stated that he and his family left their home more than two months ago, and this home had been occupied by settlers until the attack on Tuesday. He said, "We went home accompanied by a military vehicle, but upon reaching the house, the settlers attacked us, and we were dispersed with pepper spray."
In a separate attack on the same day, dozens of settlers from elevated areas stormed the village of Al-Mughayer in northeastern Ramallah, resulting in several vehicles being set on fire.
Given the increase in violence in the West Bank since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, statistics show that at least 1,111 Palestinians, including civilians and fighters, have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers during this period. Meanwhile, at least 49 Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have lost their lives in attacks by Palestinians or in Israeli military operations.
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