60 Minutes Report Alleges Settlers Use Sheep to Displace Palestinians

A "60 Minutes" investigation broadcast by CBS News claims that some Israeli settlers in the West Bank are using sheep as a tool to displace Palestinians from their homes. The report, filmed in the West Bank, featured interviews with Palestinians and settlers, including a farm owner namedדרכי מינסטר. According to the report, settlers drive their flocks into Palestinian communities, allowing the sheep to graze on vegetation around homes, and then claim ownership of the land. A Palestinian teacher from the village of Al-Mughayyir described how settlers would open home gates and let sheep inside to eat the surrounding trees. Minster, presented as a farm owner whose flock is led into Palestinian villages, stated that this tactic is a way to "mark" territory, asserting, "This is the way to mark, 'Here I graze my flock. Here you do not bring your flock. Here you do not plant. Here you do not build.'"

Minster also addressed accusations of settler violence, which the U.S. Ambassador to Israel had reportedly termed "terrorism." He distanced himself from the label, stating, "I would not define it as terrorism, but are there young people who react excessively, behave like bullies and need restraint and boundaries? Absolutely yes. Nothing changes the fact that our right to be here is legal and ancient."

The "60 Minutes" segment, produced by Lesley Stahl, also documented violent confrontations between settlers and Palestinians. Footage showed settlers surrounding a Palestinian while an IDF officer directed the camera crew away from the area. The report also spoke with the Farag family, who claim settlers set up a tent on their property in March, acting as if they owned everything and attempting to force residents to leave by stealing electricity and water, making the area uninhabitable.

The investigation comes weeks before Israeli elections, a context mentioned in the program. Minster expressed concern about a potential shift in U.S. policy, particularly if Democrats gain power, which could affect military aid to Israel. He told the crew, "It bothers me that America is turning its back on us, and that we are turning our back on America. I see this as a loss of friendship." He added, "I fear that we could lose America as a military and political ally. It seems things are moving in that direction. But Israel will find other allies."

According to IDF data from May, nationalist crime has significantly increased in recent years, rising from 352 incidents in 2019 to 1,072 in 2023. However, data from the organization "Yesh Din" indicates a lack of enforcement, with 96% of cases from last year, involving 991 violent incidents and 428 complaints, being closed without indictments.