Settler Violence Threatens Israeli Project, Ynet Op-Ed Warns

An opinion piece in Ynet by Itamar Eichner argues that escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is severely damaging Israel's international standing and providing ammunition to its critics. Eichner contends that the Israeli government's perceived inaction or turning a blind eye to these incidents, which he describes as terrorism, undermines national security and contradicts the government's narrative of the perpetrators being a "handful" of extremists. He highlights the visit of U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee to the Palestinian village of Turmus Aya, where he publicly condemned settler actions, as a stark example of the reputational damage.

The op-ed links this violence to increasing international pressure, including potential U.S. Senate action. A resolution, S.Res.852, is expected to be voted on soon, potentially requiring a report on settler violence and its impact on American citizens, with a failure to submit the report risking the freezing of military aid. While the resolution's passage is considered unlikely, its support among Democrats is seen as a significant indicator of shifting attitudes and a potential precursor to future sanctions or restrictions on aid.

Eichner further points to actions by other countries, such as import bans on West Bank goods by 12 nations including Canada, the UK, and France, and potential asset freezes and customs benefit reductions in France, as direct consequences of the deteriorating situation. He asserts that the current government's approach, rather than protecting the settlement enterprise, is jeopardizing its future and risking Israel's isolation, drawing a parallel to South Africa before the end of apartheid.

The article also notes that the Israeli military (IDF) did not coordinate actions with the police during recent disturbances in Samaria, and that Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for the perpetrators of a pogrom in Samaria to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The author questions the role of the Shin Bet security agency in addressing this threat and criticizes ministers from the settler movement for not acting against violence emanating from their own circles.