Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Israeli Settlers Launch Attacks on Palestinian Villages Amid Rising Tensions
Following the killing of a teenage settler, Yehuda Sherman, on Saturday, a wave of violence erupted in the occupied West Bank. Extremist Jewish settlers targeted several Palestinian villages, setting ablaze homes, vehicles, and agricultural fields. Israeli police are investigating whether the incident involving Sherman was intentional or accidental, as he was struck by a vehicle while riding a quad bike.
Settler Mobilization and Attacks
Overnight, more than 20 attacks were reported, according to a defense official cited by Israeli media. The violence escalated after WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a “revenge campaign” in response to Sherman’s death. Footage circulating online—though unverified by the BBC—depicted over 90 individuals, many wearing masks, storming the village of Jalud. Other clips showed burning vehicles, shattered windows, and ambulances responding to the chaos.
“Jews won’t remain silent over spilled Jewish blood.” “Demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy.”
One image captured the words “Avenge Yehuda” spray-painted on a structure. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported at least three Palestinians suffered head injuries during confrontations in Jalud, with some attackers also reportedly harmed. Israeli border guards arrested five individuals near Deir al-Hatab, while an officer was injured during an assault by civilians near the Itamar settlement.
International Condemnation and Context
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the attacks, linking them to the “burning of homes, terrorizing civilians, and targeting critical infrastructure during Eid al-Fitr.” Meanwhile, Yesh Din, an Israeli civil rights group, called the violence “a night of pogroms,” citing a lack of preventive measures despite prior warnings.
Earlier this month, the EU and UK urged Israel to curb the increase in settler violence since the Iran conflict began on 28 February. The United Nations noted that six Palestinians had been killed by settlers since 1 March, with 15 of the fatalities occurring since the war started. A separate attack last week prompted the IDF to issue a statement condemning the actions.
Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s center-left Democrats, accused the government of enabling the attacks. He wrote on X: “While we fight 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 support from extremist ministers and encouragement from the prime minister and defense minister.”
On Sunday, more than 500 people attended Sherman’s funeral, including far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, sanctioned by the UK for inciting violence. Jewish settlers also blocked roads in protest, with unconfirmed reports of groups gathering near Palestinian villages. WAFA noted that a car wash was set fire to northwest of Nablus.
