Netanyahu orders new West Bank settler outposts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the creation of new settler outposts in the occupied West Bank, a retaliatory measure following a deadly confrontation. The violence occurred near the Havat Gilad settlement and the Palestinian village of Tell, resulting in the deaths of four Palestinians and two Israelis.

This escalation occurs in a region where over 500,000 Israelis reside in settlements within the West Bank, a territory Israel occupied in 1967. The Palestinian population in the West Bank numbers around three million. Violence has surged in the area since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, prompting Netanyahu's vow to "act with full force against the terrorists."

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act with full force against the terrorists and those who orchestrate and sponsor them

Netanyahu announced a series of measures, including accelerated legalization and establishment of new farm outposts. These outposts, often small settlements built without government approval, are considered illegal under both international and Israeli law. The clashes reportedly began when settlers entered the Palestinian village of Tell, leading to confrontations with villagers defending their homes. Palestinian officials claim Israeli soldiers opened fire alongside settlers, intending to harm and vandalize property.

The Palestinian health ministry reported four deaths and four injuries among Palestinians. Israeli troops later arrested two men from a Nablus hospital who allegedly participated in the clashes. The military stated there was a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Israeli civilians in Tell.

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Villagers came out to defend their homes and property. Clashes and physical altercations broke out between the residents and the settlers. Israeli soldiers were present and together with the settlers began opening fire ... it was the settlers who stormed the village, with the intention of killing, vandalising and setting property on fire.