Netanyahu Calls Jewish Rioters in West Bank a 'Spreading Cancer' Amid Concealed Cabinet Decision

In March 2024, the Israeli cabinet made a decision condemning violence by Jewish rioters in the West Bank, a phenomenon that has intensified over the past year. However, this decision was never fully published due to political considerations, as revealed in a prime-time news report on Monday. During the cabinet discussion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the Jewish rioters as a "spreading cancer." Despite demands from senior security officials, including Shin Bet chief David Zini, to publicize the decision, Netanyahu and several ministers opposed its release.

Yesterday, during a situation assessment with the Judea and Samaria Division, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir condemned nationalist crime in the territories, stating it harms security and vowing continued cooperation with Shin Bet and police to eradicate the issue. Over the weekend, Channel 13 reported sharp criticism within Shin Bet regarding Zini's handling of Jewish terrorism. Sources claimed Zini does not authorize intelligence operations against Jewish suspects in the West Bank and prevents actions that could lead to arrests, viewing the problem as a small group of delinquent youths rather than terrorism.

Shin Bet responded by denying these claims, highlighting that under Zini's leadership, the operational unit has been integrated into countering nationalist terrorism, resulting in a significant rise in indictments compared to previous periods. Additionally, Zini initiated electronic monitoring to enforce administrative restriction orders, which have increased in number against activists involved in terrorism. This internal dispute underscores tensions within Israel's security apparatus over addressing Jewish extremist violence in the West Bank.