The Israeli military reported that dozens of Israeli settlers stormed a military base in the occupied West Bank on Sunday night, setting fires, damaging military vehicles, spray-painting graffiti, and physically assaulting soldiers.
The incident followed a string of violent attacks by settlers in recent days and growing tensions over the arrests of several individuals involved. Earlier in the week, over 100 settlers entered the Palestinian town of Kfar Malik, setting buildings on fire and shooting at residents. According to local official Najeb Rostom, three Palestinians were killed after the Israeli army intervened. Five settlers were arrested.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, saying that “no civilized country can allow citizens to burn military facilities, damage army property, and attack security forces.”
Footage from Israeli media showed young religious settlers—often linked to the extremist “hilltop youth” movement—gathering around the base near Ramallah. Security forces used stun grenades to disperse them. The military released images showing burned equipment used to prevent attacks and maintain security.
In a rare rebuke, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline stance and past support of such settlers, denounced the attack, calling it a “red line” and urging strong action.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid labeled the rioters as “Jewish terrorists” supported by the current coalition government.
Ben-Gvir, a staunch pro-settlement figure, has a history of incitement and links to far-right movements. Though once marginalized in Israeli politics, he has gained prominence alongside a broader rightward shift, which critics say has emboldened violent settler activity.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant pledged to crack down on the violence and reminded settlers that many soldiers are exhausted reservists already under heavy strain.
In the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, Palestinians in the West Bank report increasing Israeli military checkpoints and restrictions, while Israel cites growing security threats from the area.
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Today, around 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank under military rule, alongside roughly 500,000 Israeli settlers. Most of the international community views these settlements as illegal under international law.