Israeli Military Leaders Condemn Settler Attacks in West Bank

Israeli military officials have condemned recent settler violence in the West Bank, emphasizing a commitment to uphold law and order.

On Tuesday, masked Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf, setting fire to vehicles and other property. Four Palestinians were injured during the incidents.

Following the attacks, four Israeli suspects were arrested. However, after one night in custody, three were released, with one minor remaining detained on suspicion of arson and assault.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated that the military "will not tolerate the phenomena of a minority of criminals who tarnish a law-abiding public." He emphasized that such acts divert the attention of forces from their primary mission.

Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, chief of the IDF Central Command, described the situation as "intolerable," noting that addressing the actions of an "anarchist fringe" requires resources that could otherwise be allocated to bolstering security and conducting counterterrorism operations.

The incidents are part of a broader increase in settler violence, with over 260 attacks reported in October alone, marking the highest monthly total since monitoring began in 2006.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attacks, describing them as "shocking and serious," and called for decisive action to eradicate such phenomena.