A Regular Soldier or a Colonist in Uniform? The Border Proves Particularly Vague on the West Bank

The United Nations has issued a stark warning about escalating violence on the West Bank, highlighting the daily attacks faced by Palestinian communities from Israeli settlers who are increasingly coordinating with the Israeli military.

Recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of 8 Palestinians and 2 Israelis since last week, following a deadly confrontation in the village of Tell near Nablus. This incident triggered days of settler violence, prompting raids by the Israeli army into Nablus and surrounding areas, leading to dozens of Palestinian arrests.

Violence attributed to Israeli settlers has surged since the current Israeli government, which includes key figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, took office in 2022. The situation has further intensified since the October 7 attacks on Israel, with settler violence rising in the shadow of the conflict in Gaza. According to Palestinian figures, 1,097 Palestinians, including civilians and militants, have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers on the West Bank since October 7. Israel reports 48 of its citizens have been killed.

Data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates over 1,330 settler attacks have been reported this year alone, resulting in casualties or property damage. These attacks have included vandalism of olive and almond trees, damage to irrigation systems and water tanks, and the arson of agricultural land, homes, and mosques. This year, 77 Palestinians, including 18 children, have been killed by the Israeli army or settlers, while 3 Israelis have been killed by Palestinians.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed alarm, stating, "Settlers and Israeli troops have – often acting together – attacked local communities, abused families, destroyed and confiscated property, and set fire to mosques." A UN independent international commission of inquiry report last month concluded that settler violence is systematically carried out in cooperation with the Israeli military leadership, suggesting state enablement through military and financial support. The report indicates soldiers have routinely accompanied and protected settlers during attacks.