IDF Distances Itself From Settler Terrorism, Calls Hilltop Youth 'Criminals'
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
An Israeli security official described the "Hilltop Youth" settler extremist group as numbering hundreds, contradicting Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Israeli military is reportedly trying to distance itself from the group, which is accused of violent attacks and expulsions against Palestinians. The army claims it lacks the tools to effectively combat settler terrorism, unlike its methods against Palestinian militants. Security officials warn that unchecked settler violence poses a significant strategic threat to Israel and could lead to international repercussions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- An Israeli security official stated "Hilltop Youth" settler extremists number hundreds, not a "handful" as described by PM Netanyahu.
- The Israeli military is reportedly attempting to distance itself from settler extremists amid international pressure.
- The "Hilltop Youth" are described as "criminals" who initiate raids for Palestinian expulsion, not just retaliatory acts.
- The army claims it lacks the necessary tools and intelligence-gathering capabilities to combat settler terrorism.
- Security officials warn settler terrorism poses a severe strategic threat to Israel and could lead to international sanctions.
- Minister of Defense Israel Katz halted administrative detentions against settler extremists last year.
An Israeli security official stated that the "Hilltop Youth" settler extremist group numbers in the "many hundreds," contradicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's description of them as a "handful." The Israeli military is reportedly attempting to distance itself from these extremists amid international pressure and threats of sanctions against settlements by European nations. Despite this, the military allegedly supports settler terrorism and participates in attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The security official, quoted by "Yedioth Ahronoth," described the core group as "around 300 to 500 youths" who are "truly savage creatures" and "criminals in every sense of the word," responsible for burning homes and their inhabitants. Unlike past justifications of such actions as "paying the price" for Palestinian attacks, the group now initiates raids on Palestinian villages and lands with the aim of expulsion.
The "Hilltop Youth" reportedly establish illegal outposts in Areas A and B of the West Bank, with the military criticizing political support for these extremists from Knesset members and ministers, even though Israeli reports indicate the outposts are often established with military assistance. The army claims it lacks the tools to combat settler terrorism effectively, unlike its comprehensive approach against Palestinian militants. It asserts that it is prohibited from gathering intelligence on settlers and has a significantly limited toolkit.
The security establishment is reportedly exhausting its available tools, suggesting a multi-level approach including educational, punitive, media, economic, and judicial measures, such as confiscating vehicles and imposing fines. However, most outposts are not evacuated. The security agencies also criticize the judiciary, noting a disparity in rulings, with some judges releasing individuals who committed serious offenses against security forces, while others are more stringent.
The military is calling for increased forces to handle settler terrorism. The Shin Bet head, David Zini, is reportedly conducting innovative operations to thwart attacks. Minister of Defense Israel Katz has halted administrative detentions against these settlers since early last year, leading to a perception on the ground that they are untouchable. Security officials warn that settler terrorism poses a severe strategic threat to Israel, potentially jeopardizing security achievements and leading to a loss of resources due to international pressure, particularly from the United States, which could impact settlement expansion.