The Israeli Prime Minister met with top defense and intelligence officials to address a “grave escalation” in attacks by extremist settlers, which have reached record levels.
JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an urgent meeting with Israel’s Security Cabinet on Thursday to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank, where a surge in settler violence has targeted not only Palestinian communities but also Israeli security forces.
The meeting included high-ranking officials from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Shin Bet internal security agency, and the police. The discussions focused on formulating a government response to what security chiefs have described as a “loss of control” in certain areas of the occupied territory.
According to reports, the urgent consultation was triggered by a series of violent incidents involving the “Hilltop Youth,” a radical settler group. In recent weeks, these extremists have clashed violently with IDF soldiers attempting to dismantle illegal outposts, crossing a “red line” for the Israeli establishment.
Netanyahu, whose coalition government relies on far-right parties that support the settler movement, publicly condemned the violence. “There is no place for a handful of extremists to take the law into their own hands,” the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing that actions harming Israeli soldiers or the state’s security interests would not be tolerated.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that October 2025 set a monthly record for settler violence, documenting over 260 separate incidents. These range from the burning of Palestinian homes and vehicles to physical assaults on farmers and activists.
Defense officials reportedly warned the cabinet that the unchecked violence risks igniting a broader uprising in the West Bank, opening a third front for Israel while it remains engaged in complex security operations in Gaza and along the northern border with Syria.
The meeting highlights the growing internal tension within the Israeli government. While security agencies demand a crackdown on lawlessness, key cabinet members such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have historically defended the settler movement, creating a political deadlock that critics say has emboldened the extremists.
Keep Independent Journalism Alive
In a world flooded with noise, independent journalism is more vital than ever. We work hard to bring you clear, accurate, and unbiased international news — free from corporate or political influence.If you believe in the power of honest reporting, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us stay independent and keep the world informed.
Support us via PayPalYour support makes a difference.
