Hadash Condemns Killing of Terrorists After West Bank Attack, Blames Israeli Occupation
The Hadash party issued a strong statement on Friday condemning the killing of civilians in the aftermath of a deadly attack in the West Bank village of Kfar Tapuach, where four Palestinians and one Israeli settler were killed. The party sharply criticized the Israeli government's policies, accusing it of deepening the occupation, expanding settlements, and fostering settler terrorism instead of pursuing a political solution. Hadash warned that the occupation only leads to more bloodshed and victims, emphasizing that this cycle will continue unless the occupation ends.
The attack occurred on Thursday near Kfar Tapuach in the Samaria region, when 32-year-old Benyahu Malat, a resident of the Gilead farm and a member of the local security team, was killed. The assailant seized a security weapon and opened fire on a group of Israeli hikers before being killed by IDF forces shortly after, who also recovered the stolen weapon.
Hadash questioned why armed Israeli civilians were allowed to enter a Palestinian village and accused the right-wing government of permitting provocations with predictable violent outcomes. The party also criticized liberal politicians for quickly accepting the military and settler narrative. According to the IDF, the hiking trip took place in areas classified as A and B under Palestinian Authority control and was unauthorized and uncoordinated, with participants entering the Palestinian village with weapons drawn.
The party warned that calls for revenge from ministers, Knesset members, and settlers will only perpetuate further bloodshed, which it claims the Netanyahu-Ben Gvir-Smotrich government seeks to entrench. Hadash concluded that the ongoing occupation will continue to fuel a repeating cycle of violence, stating, "It is either the end of the occupation or barbarism. There is no third way."
In response to the attack, the IDF declared a closure across the Samaria region and began preparations for extensive operational activity to locate those involved and prevent further attacks. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment and ordered a significant reinforcement of forces in the area.
Hadash is known for its critical stance toward government policies in the territories. Its secretary was previously detained for expressing support for Hamas, and former Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked has labeled Hadash and Ta'al as "terrorists in suits," claiming they have no place in the Knesset.
