Jewish Rioters Torch Palestinian Homes After Court Orders Return

Around 100 Jewish rioters set fire to two Palestinian homes in the village of Jalud, near Nablus, on Tuesday night, shortly after the family who had been expelled from them attempted to return. The family's father, Muhammad Tobaasi, told Ynet that he arrived with his family to reclaim their homes, a return coordinated through Palestinian-Israeli liaison mechanisms. Extremists who were waiting at the site then attacked the family. Tobaasi stated that IDF forces extracted them from the scene, and both houses were completely destroyed by the fire. His vehicle was also set ablaze. "We were left with nothing, no water, no flour, no rice. We understood it was lost and left," he said, adding that the return was ordered by the High Court of Justice and facilitated by the army and police. He had expected a few dozen settlers, not over 150.

Three Border Police officers were lightly injured during the riots, and three Jewish suspects, including two minors aged 15 and 17, were arrested. The IDF and police reported that the Israeli rioters blocked roads, burned tires, and threw stones at security forces, also setting fire to Palestinian structures and vehicles. The security establishment condemned the violence, stating it distracts from security operations and harms stability. Investigators have begun collecting evidence at the scene.

The High Court of Justice had ordered the family's return earlier this month, with judges expressing strong criticism of the army and police's enforcement, describing the situation as "very grim" and noting the "insufficient response from the state." The court had issued an order nisi asking why the Palestinians should not be returned to their homes and why access routes should not be cleared. The court also demanded updates on enforcement actions and the confiscation of vehicles involved in illegal activity.

Political figures from across the spectrum condemned the violence. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity party, called the riots "abhorrent" and a result of "anarchy and loss of control" under the current government. Yair Golan of the Democratic Party criticized the Netanyahu government for "playing with fire" and creating an atmosphere of lawlessness. Minister of Foreign Affairs Gidon Saar called the incident "heinous" and stated that those involved are criminals who harm Israeli values and the settlement enterprise. President Isaac Herzog described the event as a "most serious act" that constitutes a "moral stain" and a violation of the rule of law and fundamental values.