Israeli extremist settlers use sheep farms, intimidation to expand West Bank control, CBS reports
A West Bank settler told CBS that sheep grazing helps establish territorial boundaries, while acknowledging concerns that extremist settler violence could threaten Israel's relationship with the US.
Extremist settlers in the West Bank are using their sheep herds to intimidate and displace Palestinian communities, according to a CBS News 60 Minutes investigation. The settlers have taken over approximately 20% of the West Bank with their flocks. Over 100 Palestinian villages have been destroyed or abandoned as a result of the settler violence and the expanding sheep farms. A local Palestinian mayor stated that the settlers seized the land using their sheep, entering houses and grazing near them.
One of the co-founders of a sheep farm in the area explained that sheep are an effective way to delineate borders, as Arabs tend to fight over grazing land among themselves. However, this method of land marking has led to the displacement and abandonment of Palestinian villages. The settlers have also been violent towards the Palestinian villagers, attacking them with wood sticks, stones, and tear gas.
In one instance, an extremist settler headbutted a Palestinian man named Hassan Faraj while trying to prevent him from filming the violence.
Several Jewish activist groups, such as the Sons of Abraham, attempt to mediate between the settlers and Palestinians. These activists believe that Judaism calls on them to protect, not expel, their neighbors. However, the extremist settlers often react with anger when confronted by these activists, viewing them as traitors.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
