Israeli Expert Calls for Zero Tolerance on All Political Violence Across Society
Historian and senior researcher Professor Gil Troy emphasizes that combating political violence in Israel must be impartial and comprehensive, targeting violent settlers, extremist Haredim, radicals from both right and left, and criminals in Arab society alike. He argues that selective enforcement undermines the rule of law and fuels chaos, calling for a single law, unified enforcement, and zero tolerance for all acts of political violence regardless of the perpetrator's identity or location.
Troy highlights alarming statistics from the Israeli military and security forces documenting a sharp rise in nationalist crimes in Judea and Samaria, with 660 attacks recorded in the first half of 2026 compared to 405 in the same period in 2025. He notes that a core group of about 300 repeat offenders is responsible for much of this violence, including 45 assaults on Israeli security forces, alongside Palestinian casualties. The government’s failure to hold these offenders accountable, often dismissed as "marginal youth," reflects a dangerous weakness that threatens Israel’s social fabric and international standing.
Drawing on political science principles, Troy stresses the necessity for the state to maintain a monopoly on violence through law enforcement and military authority to prevent descent into lawlessness. He recalls founding leaders David Ben-Gurion and Menachem Begin, who insisted on unified governance and military discipline to preserve national sovereignty. Troy calls for a government committed to governance that decisively stops violent settlers, extremists, and criminals threatening public order, while avoiding broad punitive measures like administrative detentions that infringe on civil liberties.
He proposes stricter measures such as severe movement restrictions in military-controlled areas and learning from international examples where harsh penalties are imposed on those disrupting public order, including heavy fines and imprisonment for blocking roads or digital platforms. Troy argues that firm enforcement against political hooliganism protects legitimate free expression and that offenders must be judged by their actions, not political or ethnic affiliations.
With Israel’s internal stability fragile ahead of upcoming elections, Troy warns that political violence risks becoming an existential threat comparable to external dangers like Iran’s nuclear program. He echoes President Isaac Herzog’s reminder that elections are not civil war and urges all political leaders to refrain from inciting violence. The priority must be safeguarding Israel’s democratic future and shared society.
