From the Liveblog of
Monday, November 17, 2025
Katz blasts ‘anarchistic law-breakers’ after wave of extremist settler attacks
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Israel Katz says he gives his “full backing” to the chief of the IDF Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, following the recent settler attacks in the West Bank.
“We will not tolerate attempts by a small, violent, criminal group of anarchistic law-breakers to take the law into their own hands and tarnish the settler public, and we will not allow them to harm IDF soldiers, undermine order, or divert forces from their missions of protecting the citizens of Israel and thwarting Palestinian terrorism,” Katz says in a statement.
“There will be no leniency toward anyone who resorts to violence. The security forces will continue operating on the ground, and we will continue to give them full support,” he continues.
Katz says that in the coming weeks, a decision will be brought for government approval that will give Col. (res.) Avichai Tanami, who was named earlier this year as a czar to handle extremist settlers in the West Bank, “tools and a budget” for “extensive and systemic action.”
“I am confident this will lead to a significant change on the ground,” Katz adds.
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