Israeli Settler Violence Rises in West Bank

Israeli settlers in the West Bank are exploiting movement restrictions, imposed by the Israeli military during the war on Iran, to intensify attacks on Palestinians. Since February 28, at least six Palestinians have been killed by settlers, with military roadblocks hindering ambulance access to victims. The Israeli military justifies these curbs as preemptive measures during airstrikes on Iran and Hezbollah, but rights groups like B Tselem and Yesh Din report over 109 incidents of settler violence, including shootings and property damage. The United Nations estimates nearly 700 Palestinians were displaced by settler violence from early 2025 to early 2026. Israeli ministers, including Bezalel Smotrich and Yossi Dagan, are actively promoting settlement expansion, aiming to undermine the prospect of a Palestinian state. Palestinians accuse the Israeli military of protecting settlers, a claim the military denies, and indictments for settler violence remain rare.