Violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has reached unprecedented levels since the start of the conflict with Iran, drawing condemnation from NGOs and opposition figures.

Escalation of Violence and Impunity

Often referred to as 'Jewish terrorism,' these attacks have been occurring for years, frequently with little response from mainstream Israeli society. However, the recent surge in violence has prompted criticism from influential rabbis and even Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, who described the attacks as “morally and ethically unacceptable.”

Researcher Highlights Increased Severity

Reem Cohen, a researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), stated, “there has been an increase in acts of Jewish terrorism since the start of the war with Iran,” alongside a rise in “the severity of the acts.”

Cohen, author of a report on the issue published in January, denounced the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators. “The Israeli government and security forces… have not responded with determination,” she wrote in her report.

Government Policies and Rising Death Toll

A key policy change by Defence Minister Israel Katz upon assuming office in 2024 was the cancellation of administrative detention – a form of virtually unlimited custody – for Israeli suspects of violent crimes in the occupied West Bank. This practice remains in place for Palestinians.

At least six Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of March due to violence attributed to illegal settlers. The total number of Palestinian deaths for all of 2024, as of this report, stands at five, according to UN data.

Evolving Phenomenon and Ideological Support

According to Cohen, “Jewish terrorism against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has evolved from marginal, local incidents into a widespread phenomenon that occurs as part of a fight for control of the territory and an increasing effort to uproot Palestinian presence.”

The violence is reportedly occurring “with the ideological support of certain members of the government,” specifically referencing far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Settler Outposts and Lack of Prosecution

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and currently over 500,000 Israelis reside in settlements considered illegal by the UN, alongside approximately three million Palestinians. Settlement building has continued under successive Israeli governments.

Since October 7, 2023, illegal settlers have established over 175 farms and outposts in the occupied West Bank, often with the tacit consent of Israeli authorities. These outposts, though illegal under Israeli law, are intended to establish control and receive army protection, according to the NGO Peace Now.

The INSS reports that “90 percent of settler violence cases in the occupied West Bank are closed without indictments,” and in some instances, Israeli soldiers have been observed participating in the assaults.

“Hilltop Barbarians” and Ongoing Attacks

Violent settlers have increasingly targeted Palestinian property, torching homes, uprooting olive trees, and killing livestock. The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth recently referred to these groups, operating near Nablus and Hebron, as “hilltop barbarians.”

Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, accused the government of “supporting Jewish terrorism” and jeopardizing Israel’s security by diverting military resources to address the escalating violence in the West Bank.