Israeli Rioters Barricade in Palestinian Home in Kousra Amid Unusual August Storm Forecast

Israeli rioters threw stones and barricaded themselves inside a Palestinian home in the village of Kousra, West Bank, prompting intervention by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Border Police. The incident occurred on August 29, 2026, with reports indicating that several Palestinians were injured, including a woman who required medical evacuation by the Red Crescent. The rioters, described as masked and dressed in black, used vehicles that were confiscated by authorities for investigation. The IDF stated their forces worked to remove the rioters and separate them from the residents inside the house. In a related incident, foreign journalists were attacked in the nearby village of Jalud.

In political developments, a new poll published 60 days before the elections shows a record 27% gap against Benjamin Netanyahu’s suitability as prime minister, with 58% opposing him. The anti-Netanyahu bloc holds 50% support compared to 31% for his bloc. The newly launched party of Ofer Winter surpassed the electoral threshold for the first time, gaining 4% of the vote. Additionally, 68% of the public rated the education system’s performance as poor ahead of the new school year.

Meanwhile, Gilad Erdan, leader of the Unity Party, revealed ongoing talks with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and Economic Party head Yaron Zelekha about forming a joint electoral list to overcome the electoral threshold. Erdan emphasized shared priorities such as a broad Zionist government, universal service law, and consensual judicial reform.

Weather forecasts warn of an unusual August rain system expected to hit northern and central Israel overnight, bringing thunderstorms, hail, flash floods, and waterspouts, particularly near the coast. Cyprus also issued weather alerts due to severe thunderstorms and flooding risks.

Tragically, two men in their 30s died and another was seriously injured in a fatal car accident near Karmiel on Route 854 close to the Moshav Lapidot. The road was closed for investigation by northern district police.