IDF says troops attacked by settlers in northern West Bank

The Israel Defense Forces says troops were physically and verbally assaulted by a group of settlers near the northern West Bank village of Urif yesterday.

The military says the incident began after troops spotted a Palestinian-owned car being set on fire in the area, and began a pursuit after the suspects.

An Israeli-owned vehicle in the area “drove wildly toward the forces” and Israeli citizens blocked IDF vehicles who were chasing the arson suspects, pushed the soldiers, and tried to break into a military vehicle, the IDF says.

Footage from the incident shows a group of settlers confronting the soldiers in the area.

The IDF in a statement says “condemns any act of violence toward soldiers and security forces.”

מפקד פלוגה בגולני הגיש תלונה במשטרה נגד תושבים מיצהר שלדבריו כמעט ודרסו אותו אתמול במהלך מרדף אחרי חשודים יהודים בהצתת רכבים של פלסטינים בשומרון. בצה"ל רואים את המקרה בחומרה. דו"צ: "צה״ל מגנה כל גילוי אלימות כלפי חיילים וכוחות הביטחון" pic.twitter.com/Q65Qxm95yE

— איתי בלומנטל 🇮🇱 Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) February 16, 2023