Netanyahu orders new repressive measures after a clash in West Bank

Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

After a clash reportedly between local Palestinians and Israeli settlers in West Bank, Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to "accelerate the legalization of existing farms and the establishment of new ones".

Netanyahu also ordered the Israeli Military to "firm measures against terrorism" which include leveling the home of the “terrorist” who allegedly undertook the attack which happened near the village of Tell, and carrying out missions in other villages that in his opinion “serve as centers of terrorism".

While the precise information for the preceding event is not available at the moment, it is reported that what likely happened is that when Israeli settlers from Havat Gilad entered the village of Tell located in the West Bank. Local Palestinian population likely opposed he settlers, leading to a clash. According to Palestinian health ministry, 4 Palestinians were killed and the same number injured, while Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service reported 1 Israeli killed.

Aside from human casualties, damage was done to the eastern part of Tell, according to Palestinian WAFA news agency. Reportedly, the settlers set fire to a local shop, several other buildings and land where the locals grow their crops. IDF maintains the position that Israelis were only hiking in the area while a Palestinian stole a weapon from a security officer and opened fire.

A footage of the incident appeared in the social media. In it a group of IDF soldiers can be seen approaching several Palestinians, seemingly disarming one of them. What follows is the sound of gunfire.

The West Bank remains under Israeli occupation since 1967. Since the start of war in Gaza in October 2023, territory experiences a surge in violence, with continuing attempts by Israel to conduct settlements, which are time and again condemned by the United Nations.