Israeli President Isaac Herzog and army chief Eyal Zamir have publicly condemned the recent surge in Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, issuing rare criticism of what has become a daily cycle of violence often carried out with the backing or complicity of the Israeli military.

Herzog Labels Settler Attacks ‘Shocking and Serious’

Herzog described the escalating violence as “shocking and serious”, highlighting killings, beatings, and property destruction targeting Palestinian civilians. He emphasized that these acts are committed by a “handful” of perpetrators, but they cross a red line, calling on state authorities to act decisively.

“All state authorities must act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon,” Herzog said in a social media statement.

On Thursday, Israeli settlers vandalized a mosque near Salfit, pouring flammable liquid at the entrance and writing racial slurs on the walls. Residents were able to extinguish the fire before it spread.

Military Response and Condemnation

Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir strongly condemned the attacks, stating that the military “will not tolerate criminal behaviour” by a small minority that tarnishes the reputation of law-abiding citizens. Zamir reaffirmed that the army is aware of incidents where Israeli civilians attacked Palestinians and other Israelis, and vowed action against offenders.

US Concerns Over Gaza Ceasefire

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern that settler violence in the West Bank could undermine the US-backed Gaza ceasefire, though he emphasized that the US would work to prevent spillover.

Recent Settler Attacks

On Tuesday, settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf, setting fire to dairy trucks, farmland, tin shacks, and Bedouin tents, according to Palestinian officials. Muayyad Shaaban, a local official, accused Israel of granting settlers protection and impunity.

Israeli police reported four arrests in connection with the incidents, which included clashes with soldiers and damage to a military vehicle—rare events highlighting the growing boldness of settler attacks.

Ongoing Cycle of Violence

The Palestinian Authority’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CRRC) reported 2,350 attacks across the West Bank last month. Of these, 1,584 were carried out by Israeli forces, including demolitions, olive tree uprooting, and direct assaults. The violence is concentrated in the governorates of Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron.

Settler attacks intensify during the olive harvest (September–November), a key source of income for Palestinian families. According to the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, settlers engage in daily attacks, including shootings, beatings, property destruction, arson, and theft, often accompanied or protected by Israeli soldiers.

Context: Israeli Settlements

Israeli settlements are Jewish-only communities built on land occupied by Israel since 1967, considered illegal under international law. Today, 600,000–750,000 settlers live in more than 250 settlements and outposts across the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Many of these settlements are located near Palestinian towns, contributing to severe movement restrictions and ongoing tensions.

The recent statements from Herzog and Zamir mark a rare public rebuke of settler violence, emphasizing that the Israeli state seeks to distinguish between law-abiding citizens and a violent minority.