White House Demands Clarifications from Israel Over Settler Violence in Kausara

The White House and senior U.S. officials, including members of Congress, expressed outrage over recent events in the West Bank village of Kausara, demanding explanations from Israel. American sources told Israeli contacts they were shocked by the incident and questioned whether there was anarchy in Israel, criticizing the Israeli military for failing to prevent harm to Palestinians. The incident has embarrassed U.S. allies of Israel within the administration, with advisors to President Trump reportedly confronting Israeli officials angrily.

The tensions stem from the establishment of a new outpost near Palestinian homes in Kausara, adjacent to the existing settlement of Tel Tzuf. Settlers' presence led to confrontations, including a siege on three Palestinian homes where settlers cut off electricity and blocked food deliveries. The Palestinian village council contacted Israeli police and the Palestinian Civil and Military Coordination Administration, but no effective action was taken initially.

The Israeli military condemned the illegal takeover of Palestinian properties by Israeli civilians but had not evacuated the outpost for two days. Security forces eventually arrived and removed a makeshift shelter near a house in Area B, but extremist settlers continued blocking access roads with large rocks. Clashes occurred between settlers and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Border Police, with settlers seen occupying the area despite the removal of the shelter.

IDF Central Command Chief Avi Blot visited the site, and the military announced disciplinary measures against soldiers involved in previous incidents. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a halt to the violent events and reinforced the area with an additional infantry battalion currently in reserve. The military is coordinating with Israeli police and the Shin Bet to restore order, secure the area, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges in managing settler-Palestinian tensions in the West Bank and has drawn sharp international scrutiny, particularly from the United States, which is pressing Israel for decisive action to prevent further violence.