Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly condemned violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank on November 13, 2025, demanding an immediate cessation of such acts. The statement comes amid escalating tensions and international concern over a surge in settler attacks following the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel and the subsequent military operations in Gaza.
The president’s remarks represent a rare and direct rebuke from within the Israeli government, acknowledging the detrimental impact of settler violence on both the prospects for peace and Israel’s international standing. The violence disproportionately affects Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, displacing families, damaging property, and hindering daily life. Herzog’s call for an end to the attacks signals a potential shift in approach, though its practical effect remains to be seen as the Israeli military maintains overall security control in the area.
Herzog stated that “violence by extremists…is unacceptable and must be stopped,” adding that such actions “harm the State of israel, harm security, and harm the possibility of any future progress.” He emphasized the need for Israeli security forces to enforce the law and protect Palestinian civilians.The increase in settler violence has drawn criticism from the United Nations, the United States, and European Union. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called for the protection of Palestinian civilians and for accountability for those responsible for attacks. the ceasefire currently in effect between Hamas and Israel,while fragile,is intended to create space for negotiations toward a two-state solution,a goal further complicated by continued unrest in the West Bank.
Associated Press reporters Farnoush Amiri and Toqa Ezzidin contributed to this report. More coverage of the Israel-Hamas war can be found at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.