Israel Confirms Settlers Attacked West Bank Army Base, ‘Red Line Crossed’

Israel confirmed that ultra-right-wing Jewish settlers had overrun a West Bank military base, vandalised cars, and torched a security facility. The attack has sparked outrage in the public and condemnation from senior Israeli politicians, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, who branded it as a “red line” breach. Katz stated he would call an emergency session for top security officials to consider what he termed as an acute rise in settler violence.

West Bank tensions continue high following last week’s rampage of settlers through a Palestinian village. There have been escalating violent clashes between settlers and Israeli security forces since then, leading to Sunday night’s riot outside the Binyamin Regional Brigade base.

Settlers Assault Soldiers, Vandalise Vehicles

The Israeli army reported dozens of civilians assembled at the gate of the Binyamin Brigade base. The demonstrators became violent. Soldiers were attacked by settlers, pepper-sprayed, and vehicles belonging to the military were wrecked.

The army indicated the same group was probably in a confrontation with troops on Friday. Soldiers had prevented them from entering a restricted military area near Kafr Malik, a Palestinian village within the central West Bank.

Subsequently, the army verified settlers reoccupied the area and torched a security facility. The facility held surveillance equipment utilized to deter terror attacks. The attack gravely hampered military operations.

Katz Demands Action Over Settler Violence

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a firm warning in response. “This trend must be brought to an immediate halt,” he said. “We will do everything required and root out entirely this violence. No one will even think of laying a hand on IDF soldiers and members of the security forces.”

Israel Katz said that he would meet security chiefs urgently. He emphasized that soldier violence is unacceptable and must be brought to a halt immediately.

Israeli Ministers Deplore the Attacks

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also deplored the violence perpetrated by settlers. Posting on X, he stated, “Such incidents are unacceptable, and perpetrators should be punished heavily.”

He further stated, “The IDF and security agencies work day and night to safeguard the people of Israel. We must empower them, not obstruct them.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a right-wing politician who has supported settlers, also denounced the attacks. “A red line has been crossed,” he posted on X. He demanded a complete police inquiry into the incidents.

Rights Groups Warn of Growing Impunity

Human rights groups have cautioned for decades about increasing settler attacks in the West Bank. They claim Israeli authorities have been neglecting these attacks.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023, settler violence in the West Bank has intensified. Rights groups claim that the government has not held perpetrators accountable.

Sunday’s rampage on an army base is a rare occurrence when settlers have actively attacked Israeli soldiers, as opposed to Palestinian civilians. Officials are now coming under increased pressure to intervene and restore discipline.