Netanyahu Holds Cabinet Meeting in West Bank Settler Violence Rises

The Israeli government is facing growing concerns over a sharp rise in settler violence in the West Bank. On Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with top security officials, including military leaders, police, and the Shin Bet domestic security service, to discuss the increasing attacks on Palestinians and measures to curb them.

Recent incidents in the village of Huwara have drawn attention after Israeli settlers reportedly hurled rocks at Palestinian vehicles. The attacks were followed by a large fire at a local scrapyard, sending thick columns of smoke into the evening sky. Local witnesses and the scrapyard owner confirmed that settlers were involved, and the Israeli military later intervened to stop further destruction. Police are now investigating the fire.

The U.N. humanitarian office reported 29 settler attacks in the West Bank between November 11 and 17 alone. These attacks caused 11 injuries and damaged homes, mosques, vehicles, crops, livestock, and around 1,000 trees and saplings. Palestinian authorities also confirmed that two youths, aged 18 and 16, were killed overnight by Israeli gunfire, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.

This surge in violence coincides with the Palestinian olive harvest season, which typically sees heightened tensions. Netanyahu referred to the perpetrators as “a handful of extremists” and called on law enforcement to pursue them. However, rights groups and Palestinians say settler violence has become a daily reality across the West Bank, far exceeding isolated incidents.

Huwara has been targeted in previous attacks, including a major rampage in February 2023 when settlers set fire to homes and vehicles after two settlers were killed by a Palestinian gunman.

According to U.N. data, nearly 2,920 settler attacks have occurred across the West Bank from January to October 2025. The Israeli government, currently dominated by far-right politicians supportive of settlement expansion, has also approved new settlement projects and expropriated land in historically significant areas, including the Sebastia archaeological site.

International reactions are growing. Singapore announced targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against four Israeli settlers linked to violence against Palestinians. The sanctioned individuals include Meir Ettinger, Elisha Yered, Ben-Zion Gopstein, and Baruch Marzel. Singapore urged Israel to hold perpetrators accountable and stop settler violence in the West Bank.

The Israeli security cabinet is expected to hold follow-up meetings to propose further steps, including educational programs for violent settlers, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.