Israeli Minister Condemns Youth Violence in West Bank, Cites Palestinian Authority Provocations
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Strock condemned violence by Jewish youths in the West Bank, calling for it to be addressed. She also claimed that security intelligence shows the Palestinian Authority and anti-Israel groups are orchestrating provocations to escalate incidents. Strock supported Prime Minister Netanyahu's call for an investigation into the events, while also advocating for increased police involvement and reduced military engagement in handling such situations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Orit Strock condemned Jewish youth violence in the West Bank, calling for it to be addressed.
- Strock alleged Palestinian Authority and anti-Israel groups are creating provocations to escalate incidents.
- She cited security updates received as a cabinet member to support her claims.
- The minister supported Prime Minister Netanyahu's call for an investigation into the events.
- Strock advocated for more police work and less soldier involvement in handling the phenomenon.
- She stated the violence does not represent the majority of residents in West Bank outposts.
Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Strock has condemned acts of violence committed by Jewish youths in the West Bank, stating that the phenomenon requires treatment. However, Strock also asserted that security updates she receives as a cabinet member indicate the Palestinian Authority and anti-Israel elements are actively creating provocations and amplifying such incidents. Speaking at a conference hosted by Tzomet and Makor Rishon, Strock addressed recent violence in Samaria, calling the acts "unacceptable" but clarifying that they do not represent the majority of residents in the outposts or the youth living there. She stressed that the phenomenon "exists on the ground" and cannot be ignored.
Strock mentioned participating in discussions on how to confront this violence and stated she makes an effort to speak with the youth during her visits to outposts. She views these outposts as "my protégés" and believes in setting boundaries while explaining why violent acts are wrong. The minister noted that while such phenomena have existed for decades, the surrounding public campaign and organization have become more sophisticated.
Citing classified security information, Strock claimed that the Palestinian Authority, anti-Israel groups, BDS organizations, and left-wing Israeli elements are coordinating to escalate events and provoke confrontations. She stated this coordinated effort improves annually, though she could not provide specific details. Strock supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to investigate the incidents before drawing conclusions, emphasizing this does not justify the violence.
When asked about improving the response, Strock admitted that improvements might be needed but could not suggest specific practical steps. She did, however, express a clear opinion on the division of responsibilities, stating, "I know that more police work is needed in my opinion on this matter, much less work for the soldiers. I don't think it's right for soldiers to deal with this at all. Soldiers need to deal with security."
