Extremists Torch Palestinian Home, Injure Soldiers During Return Attempt Near Nablus

Over 100 Israeli extremists violently attacked the Palestinian village of Jalud near Nablus overnight, torching a home and injuring three soldiers in an attempt to prevent the Tobaasi family from returning to their house. The family had been forced to flee the property two months prior due to harassment by settlers, known as "hilltop youth." The Israeli military escorted the Tobaasi family back to their home around midnight, but within 15 minutes, hundreds of settlers arrived, throwing stones and blocking access roads.

The extremists, alerted by messages spread on WhatsApp and Telegram calling them to "come from afar," set fire to the family's home and a vehicle. They also deployed tear gas and stun grenades against the soldiers who were protecting the family. The Israeli army attempted to dismantle a makeshift structure erected by the settlers near the Tobaasi home, but the settlers repeatedly returned.

Following the violence, the Tobaasi family was evacuated again by the army. Only two rioters were arrested at the scene, with one additional arrest made later by police. The family's father, Mahmoud Tobaasi, stated that he expected a much smaller group of settlers and was shocked by the scale of the attack. The damage to the homes and the presence of scattered military rations and Hebrew graffiti suggest the settlers occupied the houses during the family's absence.

An analysis piece included in the article suggests that the current Israeli government may lead to the end of the settlement enterprise, citing the lack of coordination between the army and police in facilitating the Palestinians' return and the government's perceived inability to control extremist settlers.