Settler Activist Claims Palestinian Violence Sparked Qusra Confrontation

Settler activist and journalist Elchanan Groner claims that recent events in the Palestinian village of Qusra were misrepresented and are part of a broader campaign by the Israeli left and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Groner asserted in a radio interview that the confrontation, which occurred over the weekend, was initiated by Palestinians who erected roadblocks and threw stones.

According to Groner, the timing of the media's focus on the incident, particularly over Shabbat, was intended to smear Jewish settlers. He stated that the narrative of settler violence is being amplified by the Israeli left, with the support of military officials like IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and the IDF spokesperson. Groner described the Qusra incident as starting with dozens of Palestinians placing stone barriers around a strategic hill, after which Jews arrived and stones were thrown.

He further alleged that similar provocations are occurring elsewhere, citing an incident in the village of Zaitah involving anarchists and a separate report of a child being sexually harassed by a British anarchist. Groner outlined a pattern where delegations, including activists with megaphones, engage in provocations, such as sitting in the sun for hours, to generate media attention and create incidents.

Last weekend, Israeli forces were deployed to Qusra following reports of Israelis arriving in the area and an ensuing violent clash. A joint statement from the IDF and Border Police indicated that stones were thrown at Palestinians and other civilians during the event.