IDF warns West Bank on brink of escalation due to settler violence — report

IDF brass is warning the country’s political leadership that the West Bank is on the brink of a violent escalation as settler violence and the growth of illegal settlement outposts continue to spread across the territory, according to Channel 12.

The report says rank-and-file Palestinians may begin to take action if acts of settler violence continue unabated. In recent months, the West Bank has seen near-daily settler harassment and attacks on Palestinians and their property. Arrests in such incidents are rare, and prosecution is rarer still.

Critics of the government have accused the IDF of condoning or even encouraging the settler attacks. Troops are regularly filmed not taking action in the face of settler violence.

Earlier today, a Palestinian teen was killed after an Israeli fired on him during a clash between Palestinians and settlers on an unauthorized “hike” on the outskirts of a Palestinian village.

The Channel 12 report quotes an unnamed senior military official suggesting more forceful action on the part of Israel is needed to stem the violence, and lamenting that some government officials support the extremist settlers.

“There’s a group here that wants chaos,” the official reportedly says. “Support from part of the local leadership and parts of the government make enforcement difficult. It’s unclear whether there’s anyone who wants enforcement. Commanders on the ground feel alone in the campaign.”