Israel’s top general condemns settler violence in West Bank

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has strongly condemned the recent sharp increase in acts of violence by radical Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank.

“We are aware of the recent violent incidents in which Israeli civilians attacked Palestinians and Israelis,” Zamir was cited on Wednesday by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as saying.

“I strongly condemn them. The IDF will not tolerate criminal behaviour by a small minority that tarnishes the law-abiding public,” said the military chief.

“These acts contradict our values, cross a red line, and divert the attention of our troops from their mission, defending the communities and carrying out operations.”

Zamir said that they were determined to stop this phenomenon and would act accordingly.

There has been an increase in violence by radical settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. An increasing number of journalists are also being attacked.

The IDF is repeatedly accused of not taking decisive enough action against such attackers. There are hardly any reports of settlers being held accountable after attacks.