Israeli Settlers Assault Soldiers in West Bank
(MENAFN) In a sharp escalation of unrest in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers who previously assaulted Palestinians in Kafr Malik shifted their aggression toward Israeli soldiers on Saturday, according to media outlets.
An Israeli broadcaster reported that six settlers were arrested following their attack on soldiers near Ramallah. This group, known for earlier violent acts and illegal seizure of Palestinian land, intensified tensions with the military.
The Israeli army confirmed that the settlers pelted soldiers with stones, causing minor injuries to one servicemember. The settlers also physically assaulted soldiers, slashed tires on military vehicles, and attempted to run over the troops with their cars.
Further violent acts included ramming military vehicles, throwing Molotov cocktails, and setting fire to an army vehicle in a separate incident.
Israeli media highlighted that soldiers fired warning shots into the air with live ammunition—a response that has triggered significant controversy. The deployment of live rounds against Israeli civilians, particularly settlers, has fueled a contentious debate. The same troops had used live fire during clashes earlier that week, resulting in three Palestinian deaths.
The violent episode sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli leaders across the political landscape. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, and opposition leader Yair Lapid all strongly criticized the settlers' behavior.
However, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took a contrasting view, stating that the army “crossed a red line” by discharging live ammunition at Israeli citizens. He further asserted that settlers occupying Palestinian land and Israeli soldiers “are on the same side.”
This incident follows a similar attack by the same settlers on June 25 in Kafr Malik, where Israeli soldiers responded with live fire, killing three Palestinians and wounding seven.
Adding to the unrest, approximately 70 masked Jewish settlers carried out another raid on the village late Friday night.
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