Netanyahu Condemns Settler โViolence in West Bank in Unprecedented Rebuke
RAMALLAH, West Bankโ – November 17, 2023 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare public condemnation of violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank today, November 17, 2023, amid mounting international pressure and a โsurge โคin attacks against Palestinians. Theโ statement from Netanyahu, delivered following criticismโ of the Israeli military’s response, marks the first time he has directly criticized settler violence while in office.
The condemnation arrives asโ tensions remain exceptionally high following theโข October 7, 2023, hamas-led attacks on Israel and theโฃ subsequent military operation in the Gaza Strip. The escalating violence in the โฃWest Bank โคthreatensโ to further destabilize the region, potentially โฃigniting a wider conflict and complicating efforts to achieve a lasting peace. More than 1,000 Palestinians โhave been killed in the West Bank and Eastโ Jerusalem since October 7th, according to Unitedโ Nationsโค data, alongside 59โฃ Israelis.
According to recentโ data from the UN human rights office, October โsaw overโ 260 attacks by settlers – โthe highest number recorded in a singleโฃ month as 2006. These attacks have drawn condemnation from international โbodies andโ raised concerns about a lack โขof accountability for perpetrators. Chief of General Staff Ejal Zamir has also condemned the attacks, while the army faces repeated accusations of failing to โฃtake decisive action against the assailants.
The โคsurge in violence has โcoincided with a broader escalation of the Israeli-palestinian conflict. The UN reports that settler attacks and Israeli army operations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have contributedโ to the rising Palestinian death toll. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about further escalation and the potential for broader regional repercussions.
