Settler Youth Embrace Aggressive Land Policy in West Bank

A rare look inside the "backyard" of the Israeli settlement of Efrat in the West Bank reveals a tense coexistence between settlers and Palestinians, particularly around the "Etam Farm" and its outpost "Kokhav Yehuda." The area, situated near the Palestinian village of Jannatah, has become a focal point for friction. A recent incident saw the death of Palestinian Hassan Faraj's brother, Muhammad Ahmed Faraj, on family land claimed by settlers. The Faraj family possesses documents proving their ownership of the land for 150 years, yet the Israeli military stated the Palestinian was killed during a confrontation where an Israeli civilian fired at a gathering, and that an illegal outpost was re-established on private Palestinian land.

"Kokhav Yehuda" is linked to Etam Farm, led by Yehuda Sheraf, son of Rabbi Uzi Sheraf, a figure associated with the Jewish underground movement. The settlers, including figures like MK Sun Har Melech from the Otzma Yehudit party, advocate for expanding Jewish presence and control over land bordering Efrat, viewing it as a crucial step in "redeeming the land." This expansion is met with resistance from local Palestinian families like the Farajs, who are engaged in a legal battle, having appealed to the Supreme Court.

The article also delves into the ideology of some "hilltop youth" settlers, exemplified by Yossi Levi, who grew up in the Hebron area and was influenced by figures like Adi Driban. Driban, a former US Marine and a controversial figure known for his confrontational approach to Palestinians, believed in projecting strength to maintain Jewish dominance. Levi espouses a philosophy of "conquest, expulsion, settlement," viewing Palestinians as an existential threat and advocating for their removal from the land, ideally without violence, but accepting the possibility of forced displacement.

Levi, who speaks fluent Hebron Arabic and served in military intelligence, emphasizes the importance of constant presence and strength in the territory. He believes that any sign of weakness is exploited by Palestinians. His vision for the future includes the eventual displacement of all Arabs from the land, drawing parallels to the expulsion of residents from Gaza. His children, when asked about their dreams, point towards the Moab Mountains, envisioning their future farm there, reflecting a generational commitment to this ideology.