Silent Terror: Poisoning of Livestock Escalates in West Bank

A new form of quiet terror, distinct from the familiar arson attacks, has emerged in the West Bank over the past year: the poisoning of sheep and cattle on hillsides and farms. This nocturnal threat leaves behind poisoned dates, pita bread, and water sources, with farmers now meticulously checking all water supplies before allowing their livestock to drink. Since June 2025, at least 12 such poisoning incidents have been documented, resulting in the deaths of 12 cattle and sheep, including two cows, three goats, and seven sheep, along with three sheepdogs. Many more animals have suffered severe poisoning symptoms but survived due to the vigilance of shepherds and prompt veterinary care. The pace of these attacks is increasing, with six incidents occurring since early July. One farmer, Avitar Karo, recounted an incident where goats began foaming at the mouth and convulsing after consuming poisoned dates found in a pasture. These dates contained a highly toxic blue substance, identified by the Nature and Parks Authority as extremely dangerous. Karo noted that the poison can have a cascading effect, killing wildlife like gazelles and vultures that consume the poisoned bait or carcasses. His own flock has suffered multiple poisoning events, leading to the loss of twenty goats from his hundred-strong herd, including specially bred animals valued for their health and lineage. Another resident near Shilo, who requested anonymity, described similar incidents around villages, with sheep and goats dying after consuming poisoned dates, pita, or drinking from contaminated water sources. He noted that the perpetrators typically operate at night in areas not easily visible from his vantage point. While security forces investigate, the poison, identified as a type of rat poison available in the Palestinian Authority, is reportedly accessible. Farmers are adapting by implementing new safety measures, such as testing water sources with a single animal before allowing the entire herd to drink, and keeping antidotes on hand. Both Karo and the anonymous resident believe current measures are insufficient, calling for broader involvement from intelligence agencies to identify and apprehend those supplying the poison and to deter future attacks.