The White House stated today, Friday, that the attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank are unacceptable and must stop. A spokesperson for the National Security Council issued a statement saying, "Israeli authorities must take necessary measures to protect all communities from harm, which includes intervening to stop such violence and holding all perpetrators accountable."
Dozens of Israeli settlers, some wearing masks, attacked a Palestinian village near the city of Qalqilya in the occupied West Bank yesterday, Thursday, setting vehicles on fire and killing at least one person. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that a Palestinian was martyred and another was seriously injured by gunfire from settlers in the village of Jit, in the latest of a series of assaults carried out by settlers following a violent approach in the West Bank.
Videos circulated by social media users showed cars and homes ablaze as a result of the attacks. The Israeli army stated that police and military units intervened and arrested an Israeli. The army condemned the attack, saying it distracts security forces from other responsibilities, and added that it is examining reports regarding the death of the Palestinian.
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying it is taking the incident "with the utmost seriousness." The statement confirmed, "Those responsible for any violations will be arrested and prosecuted."
Israeli security forces typically adopt a bystander role, allowing groups of violent settlers to attack Palestinian homes and villages, and there is increasing international concern about these incidents. The United States and several European countries have imposed sanctions on violent settlers and have repeatedly urged Israel to make greater efforts to curb the attacks.
