On Thursday, the Israeli military reported that its forces killed two alleged militants in an occupied West Bank town, while Palestinian officials accused Israeli settlers of arson at a mosque in the region.
Violence by settlers has intensified recently throughout the West Bank, sparking global criticism and even rare disapproval from the Israeli military and government.
“IDF soldiers, operating near Karmei Zur, neutralized two terrorists en route to commit an attack,” the military stated, withholding further details.
Palestinian authorities also did not provide additional information.
Simultaneously, the Palestinian foreign ministry in Ramallah claimed Israeli settlers set fire to the Hajja Hamida mosque near Deir Istiya in the north.
“This act violates the sanctity of worship places and reveals the deep-seated racism of settlers under the occupying government’s protection,” the ministry asserted.
AFP images from the site showed charred Quran copies and smoke-blackened walls with graffiti on the mosque’s wall.
‘Red Line’
The arson on Thursday followed a pledge by the Israeli army chief to curb settler violence after a series of assaults on Palestinians in the West Bank.
“We are aware of recent violent acts by Israeli civilians against Palestinians and Israelis. I strongly denounce them,” Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated.
“These actions contradict our values, cross a red line, and distract our troops from their mission,” he cautioned.
“We are committed to stopping this phenomenon and will act decisively to ensure justice is served.”
Israel has controlled the West Bank since 1967, with over 500,000 Israelis residing in settlements.
A small number of Israelis engage in violence against Palestinians, who often complain that Israeli forces seldom arrest settlers.
Under international law, all West Bank settlements are illegal.
Earlier this month, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that October 2025 was the worst month for settler violence since 2006, with at least 264 incidents causing casualties or property damage.
Few perpetrators have faced accountability from Israeli authorities.
Violence has escalated across the West Bank since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 1,003 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the conflict began.
During the same period, official Israeli records show 43 Israelis, including soldiers, were killed in Palestinian attacks in the West Bank.
