Israeli settlers arrested over West Bank attacks on diplomats
- Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank has been termed Jewish terrorism by internal security chiefs, drawing international condemnation following attacks on European diplomats and journalists.
- Recent weeks brought a wave of high-profile assaults across the West Bank.
- Levine recounted to the Associated Press that she received no help during the assault and expressed shock at the reaction of Benjamin Netanyahu, who classified the episode as...
Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank has been termed Jewish terrorism by internal security chiefs, drawing international condemnation following attacks on European diplomats and journalists.
Diplomats and Journalists Attacked Across the West Bank
Recent weeks brought a wave of high-profile assaults across the West Bank. A group of European diplomats was attacked and a United States photojournalist was beaten by Israeli settlers, drawing widespread international repudio. SÁBADO identified the photojournalist as Heidi Levine, working for The Washington Post, who was attacked in Abu Falah.
Levine recounted to the Associated Press that she received no help during the assault and expressed shock at the reaction of Benjamin Netanyahu, who classified the episode as a “suposto ataque”.
Ten Settlers Arrested in Joint Security Raids
Correio da Manhã reported that Israeli authorities detained ten settlers in connection with the recent violence during a joint operation conducted by Border Police, the Shin Bet internal security agency, and the Israel Defense Forces. Three of the detained suspects were released under restrictive conditions, while a fourth suspect remained detained as a preliminary step to an indictment.
The remaining six detainees continued under police custody, with four held over the alleged assault on the Washington Post journalist and two others connected to the reported attack on European diplomats in Taibe, according to police statements cited by Correio da Manhã.
Shin Bet Warns of Extremist Cumplice Ministers
Observador detailed internal government warnings regarding the militant faction known as the Hilltop Youth. In 2024, Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet, sent a letter to Netanyahu warning that settler violence had evolved into Jewish terrorism that endangered Israel, operating with the complicity and encouragement of government ministers.
The security agency head pointed to far-right political figures, including Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Itamar Ben Gvir. Both ministers reside in West Bank settlements and have actively supported the radical youth groups by providing material backing, such as all-terrain vehicles, drones, and night-vision equipment for illegal outposts.
Political Divide and Campaign Repercussions
Público noted that while these radical groups were previously viewed as a fringe element of lost youth, their support is now actively courted by politicians, reflecting a broader shift in Israeli society. Gadi Eisenkot, a leading political opponent, accused the Israeli prime minister of sponsoring Jewish terrorism.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu defended the government’s stance, maintaining that allegations regarding settler crimes amount to a campaign designed to defame Israel, even as international pressure mounts over the ongoing security crisis.
Correio da Manhã reported that three of the ten detainees involved in attacks on a journalist and diplomats in the West Bank have been released.