‘state violence’: Israeli settlers’ West Bank rampage presses on with government backing
Millions of dollars have been approved for illegal new settlements while Palestinians are driven out.
Israeli settlers have been carrying out a violent rampage in the West Bank, with government support, according to Israeli peace activist Ofer Neiman. The violence began on July 24th when armed settlers entered the Palestinian village of Tal and other nearby villages, opening fire and killing two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded by closing off villages, carrying out mass arrests, and demolishing homes. Since then, attacks have continued, with settlers setting fire to mosques and attacking Palestinians and their property. The IDF reported a 63% increase in settler attacks on Palestinians in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Deaths linked to settler attacks have already surpassed last year's total, with 18 Palestinians killed by settlers as of July 20th. Over 70 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank in 2026, and more than 2,600 Palestinian structures have been demolished since 2009. The Israeli cabinet recently approved $434 million for establishing 34 new settlements in the West Bank, despite international condemnation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist cabinet ordered a major security operation, leading to widespread restrictions on movement and numerous roadblocks. Palestinian journalists are also facing increasing difficulties in reporting from the occupied territory.
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