Former Israeli Leaders Criticize Government Over Settler Violence

Six prominent former Israeli officials, including ex-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, have penned an open letter sharply criticizing the current government's handling of violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The signatories, who also include Yoram Ben-Zeev, Roni Bar-On, David Harel, and Yuli Tamir, detailed incidents such as property arson, olive tree damage, livestock theft, and attempts to displace residents in Judea and Samaria. They accused police, the IDF, and security services of failing to curb what they termed "Jewish terror."

The former leaders specifically condemned the government's refusal to implement administrative detention orders against Jewish perpetrators. They also pointed to statements made by government ministers, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as exacerbating the situation and "undoubtedly encouraging Jewish terror in the territories."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also faced criticism for his perceived inaction, with the signatories alleging he fails to condemn settler violence and supports ministers and officials who do not act against the perpetrators, thereby contributing to the escalation of violence.

The letter also addressed recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom. The former officials stated these measures target "Jewish terrorists" rather than Israel as a state. They described the sanctions as an "inevitable result of Jewish terror and the failures of the government and security forces unable to stop it." The signatories concluded that Israel should have taken similar measures independently to "remove the disgrace of Jewish terror from the state."