Quick Read
- Israel has issued a directive from Netanyahu’s office to combat settler violence on the West Bank.
- The measures include ordering the army and police to suppress settler actions and redeploying troops from Lebanon.
- This policy shift occurs amid military personnel shortages and a significant increase in settlement construction approvals.
TEL AVIV (Azat TV) – In a significant policy shift, Israel is implementing unprecedented measures to curb violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians on the West Bank, according to an internal directive obtained by Euronews. The directive, originating from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, orders the Israeli army and police to suppress settler violence in the region, referred to in the document as Judea and Samaria.
New Directive Targets ‘Nationalist Crimes’
The document, titled “Prime Minister’s Directive to Combat Nationalist Crimes in Judea and Samaria,” marks an unusual stance for Netanyahu’s administration. The directive mandates a firm response to settler actions, signaling a departure from previous approaches. This move comes as Israel faces increasing pressure to address escalating tensions and violence in the occupied territories.
Troop Redeployment from Lebanon
Adding to the unprecedented nature of these measures, Israel plans to redeploy some military forces from the Lebanese border to the West Bank. This strategic shift aims to bolster efforts to contain Jewish extremists. It is the first instance of Israel withdrawing troops from an active front to reinforce a territory considered less militarily critical, highlighting the perceived urgency of addressing settler violence.
Military Strains and Settlement Growth
The decision to redeploy troops also occurs against a backdrop of severe strain on the Israeli military. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has warned that the army is nearing a breaking point due to a critical shortage of personnel, exacerbated by ongoing operations on multiple fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The West Bank, while a front, has not historically drawn troop deployments away from more active theaters.
The West Bank and East Jerusalem are home to approximately 700,000 settlers alongside 3.8 million Palestinians. Both territories are considered occupied by the United Nations, a designation Israel disputes. Settler activity has seen a steady increase under Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Unlike his predecessors, Trump has largely refrained from condemning settlement expansion, though he has opposed annexation plans.
Record Settlement Approvals
Data from an Israeli human rights organization indicates a dramatic surge in settlement construction approvals. In the first three months of 2025, Israel approved more housing units in settlements than throughout the entirety of 2024, underscoring the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements in recent years.
The directive’s emphasis on combating settler violence and the concurrent troop redeployment suggest a strategic recalibration by the Israeli government, aiming to address internal security concerns and international scrutiny over settlement expansion simultaneously.
Source: Euronews