Jewish Terror Attacks in West Bank Surge 50% in 2026, Reaching 660 Incidents
According to Israeli security data, Jewish terror attacks in the West Bank have sharply increased in 2026, with 660 incidents recorded so far compared to 440 during the same period in 2025, marking a 50% rise. The number of people injured in these attacks also rose to 140 this year from 112 last year. Additionally, there were 45 attacks against Israeli security forces in the West Bank since the start of 2026, up from 34 in the previous year.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week described the rise in nationalist crime as a "spreading cancer." In March, the Israeli cabinet secretly approved a decision to combat violence by Jewish extremists in the territories, a move kept under wraps for political reasons despite calls from senior security officials, including Shin Bet chief David Zini, to publicize it. The cabinet's decision, titled "Turn from Evil" to eradicate nationalist crime and "Do Good" to expand settlements, included ministerial backing for field operations, economic sanctions against violent youth from the outpost "Givat", and a government plan to enforce laws against Jewish violence in the territories.
During a recent situation assessment in the West Bank Division, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir condemned nationalist crime, emphasizing its threat to security and pledging continued cooperation with Shin Bet and police to eliminate the phenomenon. Meanwhile, criticism has emerged within Shin Bet regarding Zini's handling of Jewish terror, with some officials accusing him of downplaying the threat and obstructing intelligence and arrest operations. Shin Bet responded by affirming Zini's initiatives to increase prosecutions and enhance monitoring and enforcement against nationalist terror suspects, noting a relative rise in administrative restraining orders recommended by the agency.
The developments highlight growing concern within Israel's security establishment over escalating Jewish extremist violence in the West Bank and the political sensitivities surrounding its public acknowledgment and response.
