Israeli Cabinet Erupts Over Settler Violence

A heated confrontation erupted in Israel's Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs on Sunday between Orit Struk, the Minister of Settlement Affairs, and the Head of the Shin Bet, the head of the Shin Bet security agency. The dispute centered on recent riots by extremist Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

Minister Struk accused the security establishment of unfairly portraying settlers as problematic while depicting Palestinians as blameless. She argued that Palestinians attack shepherds, injure them, and endanger their lives, contrasting this with the security forces' focus on settler actions. "You present it as if the Arabs are honey and viewers, and only the settlers are the problem," Struk stated angrily, demanding that attacks on settlers also be investigated and discussed.

The Head of the Shin Bet retorted sharply, telling Struk, "Palestinians do not burn Jewish homes here. You are disconnected." He emphasized the need for condemnation from all leadership, stating that the violence harms both settlement and security. When Struk claimed she condemns such actions "all the time," the Head of the Shin Bet pressed her, asking, "Where did you condemn?"

Struk responded that she condemns violence everywhere and that he should simply listen. The exchange highlighted deep divisions within the government regarding the handling of settler violence and the security situation in the West Bank.