Exclusive: Israel to crack down on settler violence in the West Bank
Exclusive: Israel to crack down on settler violence in the West Bank
An exclusive document obtained by Euronews reveals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s instructions to the Israeli military and police to intensify efforts against settler violence targeting Palestinians in the West Bank. The directive, labeled “Prime Minister’s Directive on Combating Nationalist Crimes in Judea and Samaria,” marks an uncommon policy pivot for Netanyahu’s government. Judea and Samaria refer to the region now known as the West Bank.
Strategic Reallocation of Forces
The military announced last week it was shifting troops from its Lebanon campaign to the West Bank, aiming to address escalating tensions. This move represents the first time Israel has redeployed forces from an active conflict zone to a less critical area, signaling a significant adjustment in operational priorities.
Manpower Crisis and Military Warnings
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has raised alarms about the army’s near-collapse due to severe staffing shortages. The military is stretched across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, leading to a critical troop deficit. The directive was issued during a recent security cabinet meeting on 25 March.
Settler Population and Occupation Status
Approximately 700,000 Jewish settlers reside in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, alongside 3.8 million Palestinians who aspire to form a state in the region. While international law classifies the occupation as illegal, Israel disputes this claim. Settlement expansion has accelerated under Netanyahu, particularly since the U.S. election of Donald Trump, who has supported the policy despite opposing annexation plans.
Policy Shift and Targeted Measures
Netanyahu has previously criticized settler violence, though he often framed it as an issue of a few extremists rather than a systemic problem. The new directive, however, introduces targeted economic penalties for settlers establishing illegal outposts. It also mandates that government ministers endorse actions against “nationalist crimes,” a subtle critique of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, both known for advocating settlement growth.
Special Administration and Extremist Groups
A special unit within the Ministry of Defence will focus on managing the “Hilltop Youth,” a group of radical religious-nationalist Jewish youths accused of violently displacing Palestinians and setting up settlements on private land. The directive emphasizes educational and therapeutic programs to redirect these youth from hostile actions. Smotrich, the finance minister, has praised the Hilltop Youth as “pioneers,” highlighting their role in aggressive settlement expansion.
Escalating Violence and Displacement
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a surge in settler attacks against West Bank Palestinians, documenting over 1,800 incidents and the displacement of 1,600 people in 2025. A total of 240 Palestinians were killed in the same period, either by settlers or Israeli forces. Additionally, 17 Israelis were killed by Palestinian militants, underscoring the volatile dynamics in the region.
“The military is stretched across multiple fronts, resulting in a critical troop deficit,” stated Zamir, highlighting the challenges facing the IDF.
The directive also prohibits new settlements in Area B, a region jointly controlled by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, marking a symbolic yet impactful restriction. European nations have imposed sanctions on Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, including travel bans, in response to their policies. This shift in focus reflects a broader effort to curb nationalist extremism while maintaining control over occupied territories.
