Ex-Israeli Security Chiefs Urge Netanyahu to Designate 'Hilltop Youth' Terror Group

Former heads of Israeli security agencies have called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare the "hilltop rioters," identified as extremists from the far-right "Hilltop Youth" settler movement, a terrorist organization. In a letter sent Sunday, October 25, the former officials warned that the authorities' failure to halt "Jewish terror" in Judea and Samaria jeopardizes Israel's security and international standing, according to Ynet. The appeal comes from the "Commanders for Israel's Security" movement and is signed by prominent figures including former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon, former Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon, and former Israel Police Inspector General Moshe Karadi.

Signatories accuse radical settlers of escalating violence, harassment, and terror attacks against Palestinians, particularly since 2023. They argue that the government must immediately designate "Hilltop Youth" as a terrorist organization and implement legal measures against its members, whose actions they claim threaten public order, civilian safety, and the security of Israelis and foreigners assisting local residents. The former officials also criticize security forces for their alleged inability to effectively counter this "Jewish terror," pointing to reports of helplessness and even complicity by soldiers and armed individuals in violent acts. They also allege political backing from key ministers, willful ignorance from senior officials, and direct or indirect state funding for these radicals.

The letter details specific acts of terror, including threats, assaults with clubs and stones, armed attacks, expulsions from homes, theft of property and olives, arson, road blockades, and denial of access to utilities, all aimed at intimidating the Palestinian population, seizing land, and forcing displacement. The signatories emphasize that such actions severely harm Israel's international image and legitimacy, warning that inaction could lead to further violence.

Among their demands are the designation of "Hilltop Youth" as a terrorist organization, legal action against participants and their supporters, and the cessation of funding for the movement. They stress that these actions must be conducted lawfully. The letter concludes by urging the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and security chiefs to fulfill their duty and immediately halt these activities.

Data attached to the appeal, compiled by researcher Idan Yaron, indicates a sharp annual increase in violent and terror acts against Palestinians and Bedouins, rising from 852 in 2022 to 2058 in 2026. While arrests and indictments have also increased, the signatories deem them insufficient given the scale of violence, arguing for more intensive efforts against nationalist crimes. Colonel (res.) Itamar Yaar stated that the violence in Judea and Samaria is no longer isolated incidents but organized activity with terrorist characteristics, asserting that the IDF, Shin Bet, and police possess the tools to combat it.