Settler Violence Near Nablus Sparks Arson and Graffiti Targeting IDF Commander Avi Blot
On the night between Monday and Tuesday, Palestinians reported violent incidents involving settlers south of Nablus. According to reports, settlers set fire to three vehicles between the villages of Jalud and Talfit and attacked residents' homes. Palestinians claimed they prevented an attempt to torch a building. The Israeli military stated that details are under investigation. The unrest near Nablus included a fire engulfing a convoy of vehicles and damage to part of the electricity network in the Palestinian town of Madama, located south of Nablus. Videos from the scene show Palestinians trying to extinguish one of the burning vehicles. Additionally, graffiti was sprayed on a building in the area, addressing Central Command Chief Avi Blot with the message: "Revenge, Avi go home."
Avi Blot has recently been at the center of controversy after Defense Minister Yoav Kitzinger announced his dismissal live on Channel 14. Blot denied this, stating that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir requested his replacement with Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the Personnel Directorate, following criticism from right-wing factions and some West Bank council leaders. However, security sources clarified that Zamir has not finalized Bar Kalifa's appointment, who is only one candidate among several. Zamir also announced a freeze on senior appointments until after the election period, meaning Blot will remain in his post until at least summer 2027.
Last week saw several acts of vandalism, terror, and "price tag" attacks by Jewish settlers in Palestinian towns and villages, continuing a trend of escalation in the West Bank since the deadly incident in which Binyahu Malt, a lieutenant colonel, was killed along with four Palestinians. These incidents included mosque arson in Kusra south of Nablus and near Tulkarm, masked individuals vandalizing the Ein Samia quarry, hate graffiti, and attempted arson of homes, alongside IDF arrest operations. Days earlier, the village of Jalud was attacked by settlers who set fires and attempted to torch chicken coops. The IDF confirmed that army and Border Police forces were deployed, but the settlers fled before their arrival. Local Palestinian youths confronted the attackers, with some Palestinians sustaining light injuries mainly from stone-throwing. The IDF spokesperson said forces worked to extinguish the fires, a Palestinian fire truck was called, and no injuries were confirmed.
