Dozens of settlers attacked, tried to run over IDF soldiers in West Bank overnight, military says

A group of dozens of Israeli settlers attacked and attempted to ram IDF soldiers with a car in the West Bank overnight, the military says.

The incident began after troops spotted Israelis in vehicles heading toward the Palestinian village of Kafr Malik, which was declared a closed military zone due to a previous settler attack there on Wednesday.

Troops were dispatched to the scene to disperse the Israelis gathering near the village.

“Upon the arrival of the forces, dozens of Israeli civilians hurled stones toward them and physically and verbally assaulted the soldiers, including the battalion commander,” the IDF says, adding that the assailants “vandalized and damaged security forces’ vehicles, and attempted to ram them.”

The troops used “riot dispersal means” to clear the gathering, and six suspects were detained and handed over to the police.

“The IDF and Israel Police condemn any act of violence against security forces and will act firmly against any attempt to harm security personnel carrying out their duty to protect Israeli citizens,” the statement adds.