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New Arson Attack in West Bank Highlights Surge in Settler Violence During Olive Harvest

UN monitors logged a record month in October, with prosecutions seldom pursued.

Overview

  • Dozens of Israeli settlers set fires in Beit Lid east of Tulkarm, damaging a Bedouin area and the Al-Juneidi dairy factory as videos showed trucks and structures torched and residents scrambling to extinguish flames.
  • The IDF said four Palestinians were injured, soldiers were attacked and a military vehicle was damaged, while police reported four Israeli suspects arrested and evidence collection underway.
  • An IDF regional commander condemned the assailants as an “anarchist fringe” and called for firm action, saying such violence diverts forces from security and counterterrorism duties.
  • The arson followed near-daily incidents since mid-October, including an attack near Beita that injured medics, journalists and activists and clashes around Burin during olive picking.
  • UN data show at least 260 settler-related attacks in October, the highest monthly total since 2006, as rights groups cite rare charges or convictions and international volunteers assisting harvesters face detention and deportation.