What's happened
Recent incidents in the West Bank include a Palestinian man shot by IDF forces after a suspected ramming attempt and multiple settler attacks on Palestinian civilians and property. Violence has surged since October 2023, with increased settler attacks and military responses, amid ongoing tensions in the region.
What's behind the headline?
The recent violence underscores the fragile security situation in the West Bank, driven by escalating settler extremism and Israeli military operations. The attacks on Palestinians, including the burning of cars and physical assaults, reveal a pattern of increasing lawlessness and impunity for settlers. The IDF's response, often involving arrests and dispersal, appears insufficient to curb daily violence. This cycle of violence risks further destabilizing the region, potentially fueling broader conflict. The international community's stance on settlement expansion and the legality of these actions continues to influence the dynamics, with recent Israeli approvals for new settlements near Jerusalem exacerbating tensions. The region's future hinges on addressing root causes, including settlement policies and security measures, to prevent further deterioration.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that IDF forces shot a Palestinian man after a suspected ramming attempt, though initial probes did not confirm deliberate intent. The New Arab and Sky News detail multiple settler attacks, including the beating of 67-year-old Basim Saleh Yassin at a nursery in Deir Sharaf, with video evidence showing masked settlers assaulting him. Both sources highlight the rise in settler violence since October 2023, with the Israeli government condemning these acts as 'extremism,' yet critics argue that such violence is widespread and often unpunished. The Independent emphasizes the recurring nature of these attacks, with damages exceeding $600,000 in some cases. The Israeli military's response, including arrests and dispersals, is portrayed as inadequate by Palestinians and rights groups, who see the violence as part of a broader pattern of lawlessness fueled by settlement expansion and political tensions.
How we got here
Since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, violence in the West Bank has increased sharply. Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, while Israeli casualties remain lower. Settler violence, including vandalism and assaults, has risen significantly, with over 750 incidents recorded in 2025. The region remains highly volatile, with ongoing clashes and military operations reflecting deep-rooted tensions.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
-
Nablus is a city in the northern West Bank, approximately 49 kilometers north of Jerusalem, with a population of 126,132. Located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, it is the capital of the Nablus Governorate and a Palestinian commercial and cultural c
-
The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.