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

Four former heads of Israel's security establishment, along with other senior former military and National Security Council officials, have sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that "Hilltop Youth," as they are described, be declared a terror organization. The letter, sent on behalf of the "Commanders for Israel's Security" movement, includes signatories such as former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon, former Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon, and former Police Commissioner Moshé Karadi.

The movement asserts that the Israeli government must immediately declare "Hilltop Youth and their associates" a terror group and take action against those who assist them, including individuals from "outposts," in accordance with the law. The signatories stated that in recent years, particularly since 2023, there has been a continuous escalation in violence, harassment, and terror attributed to these individuals. They warned Netanyahu that this activity threatens public order and the safety of civilians, including both Israelis and foreigners who come to the area to assist and protect residents.

According to the letter, "The State of Israel is failing to curb Jewish terrorism in Judea and Samaria. The IDF, Israel Police, and the General Security Service are not providing an effective and appropriate response to acts of terror." They further claimed that security forces often appear helpless, and sometimes soldiers and armed individuals are involved in the violence itself. This is compounded by political backing from key ministers, turning a blind eye or even encouragement from senior officials, and direct or indirect government funding.

Other signatories include former Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Matan Vilnai, who also chairs the "Commanders for Israel's Security" movement; former Central Command chief and movement director Gadi Shamni; and former Deputy Head of the National Security Council Itamar Ya'ar, among others. The letter detailed acts of terror and harassment, including threats, attacks with clubs and stones, weapons threats and shootings, expulsions, theft of property and olives, arson, blocking access roads, and damaging mosques and animals. They argue these actions aim to instill fear in the Palestinian population, drive them from their land and livelihoods, and seize territory.

The former officials concluded their letter with several demands for the government, urging immediate action. Primarily, they demand the declaration of "Hilltop Youth and their associates" as a terror organization. They also call for action against the group's members and their supporters, cessation of funding, and the seizure of resources aiding their activities. The letter emphasizes that continued inaction endangers residents, the rule of law, and Israel's national interests, urging the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and security chiefs to fulfill their duty.

Data and graphs compiled by Dr. Idan Yaron, who specializes in radical right-wing extremism in Israel, were attached to the letter. These reportedly show a continuous rise in violent incidents against Palestinians and Bedouins from 2022 to 2026, with a year-over-year increase from 852 incidents in 2022 to a projected 2,058 in 2026. Arrest and indictment figures for 2025 and 2026 were also provided, showing an increase in arrests and indictments, though the signatories argue these numbers are insufficient given the surge in incidents. Colonel (res.) Yaar stated that the violence in Judea and Samaria is no longer isolated but reflects organized terror activity, urging immediate action and asserting that the security forces possess the necessary tools to address the phenomenon.