Minister Strock and Shin Bet Chief Clash Over West Bank Violence

A heated confrontation erupted in the Israeli cabinet between Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock and Shin Bet head David Zinai. The dispute centered on the reporting and handling of violence in the West Bank. Minister Strock argued that the security establishment presented an incomplete picture, failing to adequately address Palestinian attacks against Jewish shepherds and youths in the region. She stated that daily incidents involve Palestinians attacking shepherds, injuring them, and endangering their lives, while also targeting young people who are merely herding. Strock accused the Shin Bet of portraying Palestinians as benign while focusing solely on problematic settlers, urging Zinai to highlight and address these Palestinian attacks.

Shin Bet head David Zinai responded sharply to Strock's claims, stating that Palestinians are not burning down Jewish homes and that her perspective was "disconnected." He emphasized the need for condemnation from all leadership regarding the violence, arguing that it harms both settlement efforts and security. When Strock asserted she consistently condemns violence and speaks with affected youth, Zinai questioned where she had voiced these condemnations. Strock replied that she had done so on various media outlets, including Reshet Bet and Galatz, urging him to listen.