Israeli Leaders Condemn Violent Settler Attacks on Palestinian Village Near Nablus

On Saturday night, dozens of masked Israeli settlers were filmed storming the Palestinian village of Kusra, south of Nablus, riding white pickup trucks. They seized a building from which they threw stones and attacked Palestinian residents. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog issued strong condemnations of the violence. Netanyahu described the attacks as "heinous acts of violence" by a "small group of rioters" violating the law, harming law-abiding settlers, obstructing the IDF, and damaging Israel's international standing. He noted that security forces acted swiftly, confiscating three vehicles used by the rioters and ending the incident quickly. The IDF, Shin Bet, and police are conducting an intensive investigation, with Netanyahu demanding the perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted promptly.

President Herzog called the attacks a "crossing of a red line" by lawbreakers acting against Israel's laws and values. He emphasized the need for decisive government, security, and judicial action to eradicate this harmful phenomenon and hold the offenders accountable. The Israeli police stated that the inter-organizational command in the Judea and Samaria district is continuing the investigation, conducting searches to locate suspects, and working with the Border Police and Shin Bet. They aim to gather evidence and bring those responsible to justice.

The IDF reported that upon arrival, forces found dozens of rioters barricaded inside a Palestinian home with residents present. Several Palestinians were injured, including a woman lightly wounded and treated by the Red Crescent. The military prioritized removing the rioters and protecting the home's occupants. Vehicles used by the settlers to reach Kusra were seized and handed over to police for investigation. The IDF continues operations in Kusra and nearby Jalud to prevent further disturbances and restore order, condemning all violence.

No arrests have been reported yet. The incident adds to a series of settler-related violent events in the West Bank, prompting calls from Israeli leadership for coordinated and firm responses to prevent recurrence.