Netanyahu Condemns Settler Attacks in West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time has publicly distanced himself from a fresh burst of settler violence in the West Bank—while leaving central questions unanswered. Addressing the attacks Monday on the Palestinian villages of Qusra and Jalud, Netanyahu on Saturday denounced what he described as "criminal acts of violence" by a "handful of rioters," saying they damage law-abiding settlers, obstruct the army, and hurt Israel's global standing. He said security forces quickly intervened and seized three vehicles, the Times of Israel reports, but did not say whether anyone was arrested.

Dozens of extremist settlers reportedly stormed Qusra, seizing a Palestinian home while the family was inside before the military moved in to remove them. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee referred to the settlers as "terrorists," a term American officials usually reserve for Palestinian militants, per the AP. Netanyahu has long framed violent settlers as a tiny fringe—putting their number at about 70 in 2025, later revising it to 150—while activists say the perpetrators are part of a rapidly expanding network of unauthorized outposts that have flourished under his government's funding and protection, per the Times. Israel faces growing criticism for rarely arresting settlers involved in such incidents and for securing even fewer indictments and convictions.