IDF Reduces Presence in Palestinian Village Kusra Amid Jewish Settler Clashes

Following hours of tension in the Palestinian village of Kusra, IDF forces positioned themselves to protect residents and maintain security. The military emphasized that they would not operate inside the home of the Palestinian family near the dismantled illegal outpost structure. After the army and the Civil Administration removed temporary structures in the unauthorized settlement, Jewish rioters returned to the area. Kusra council head Abd al-Azim al-Wadi told ynet that settlers remain in the area under siege, preventing residents from accessing their homes. Two families returned to their homes after being ordered by the army to stay outside from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Initially, residents were told the homes would be used for military purposes for three days, but forces withdrew earlier.

Al-Wadi reported that the army entered eight homes during the operation but later withdrew, causing property damage including the confiscation of security camera DVRs and destruction of furniture. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with water and electricity still cut off. Efforts are underway to coordinate basic supplies through the Palestinian Authority and military channels. UNICEF has requested documentation to deliver essential aid and restore services.

These events come amid a sharp warning from the UN Office for Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, which condemned escalating settler violence and home seizures as "unbearable levels." Since the establishment of a nearby outpost in November 2023, there have been increased incidents of settler violence including home invasions, physical attacks, vandalism, theft, arson, and damage to a local mosque. Last month, settlers cut water and electricity to three Palestinian homes. On August 9, gates and access roads were blocked, trapping about 15 people including children inside their homes. The UN said the families sought IDF intervention but were ignored, and soldiers prevented aid workers and journalists from reaching them.

Meanwhile, Jewish rioters blocked roads near Kusra. The IDF also seized positions in three homes in the nearby village of Jalud south of Nablus, maintaining tension in southern Nablus after withdrawing from Kusra homes. Overnight, security forces demolished the Tal Talpiot outpost about 400 meters from Kusra and two other outposts in Samaria and Binyamin. Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion was deployed to prevent clashes and protect the area, finishing operations in Gaza and preparing to move to the Lebanon front.

US Ambassador Mike Herzog softened his earlier harsh criticism of Jewish rioters, who he had called "Israeli terrorists" in the morning. Later, he tweeted that "settlers" are not the problem in the West Bank, but a very small minority causing harm to Palestinian families and Israel. He noted that true settlers like Israel Gantz, head of the Yesha Council, condemn these acts and called for balanced media coverage.