In the occupied West Bank, a significant escalation of violence unfolded overnight as dozens of Israeli settlers clashed with military forces near a military base. The Israeli military confirmed that during the confrontation, extreme-right activists not only engaged troops but also set fire to a nearby security installation. This incident is reflective of the growing tensions between the settlers and the Israeli military, particularly over the handling of recent attacks on Palestinians.
The unrest began as hard-right protesters criticized the military's responses to conflicts between settlers and Palestinian residents. According to military reports, these extremists used pepper spray against security forces and caused damage to military vehicles. Following this riot, authorities have detained at least 11 individuals linked to these disturbances.
Tensions intensified after an Israeli teenager sustained injuries from gunfire during clashes involving soldiers, which angered hard-line settler groups who have increasingly criticized military operations. Reports indicate a sharp rise in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, home to approximately three million Palestinians and 500,000 Israelis.
The situation has been further inflamed by recent incidents, including the death of three Palestinians during confrontations in Kafr Malik, leading to heightened fears of continued violence in the region as both sides accuse one another of escalating hostilities.
