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Settlers launch revenge attacks on Palestinian villages
Extremist Jewish settlers have rampaged through Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, torching homes, cars, and farmland following the death of an 18-year-old settler over the weekend.
Teen's death sparks calls for vengeance
Yehuda Sherman was killed on Saturday when a Palestinian driver struck him while he rode a quad bike near a West Bank settlement. Israeli police are investigating whether the collision was intentional or accidental.
Within hours, WhatsApp groups used by settlers circulated messages urging retaliation. One post declared, "Jews won't remain silent over spilled Jewish blood." Another demanded "vengeance and expulsion of the enemy."
Overnight rampage leaves trails of destruction
A defense official told Israeli media that more than 20 settler attacks occurred overnight. The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah were among those targeted.
Footage shared online-though unverified by independent sources-shows over 90 masked individuals in black storming Jalud. Other clips depict burning vehicles, shattered windows, and ambulances responding to the chaos. Graffiti reading "Avenge Yehuda" was spray-painted on a building.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported at least three Palestinians suffered head injuries after confronting attackers in Jalud. Some settlers were also reportedly hurt.
Israeli forces respond amid criticism
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops and border police were deployed to several villages after receiving reports of settlers "committing acts of arson against structures and property." On Sunday, police arrested five individuals near Deir al-Hatab and confirmed an officer was injured when settlers attacked security forces near the Itamar settlement.
Yesh Din, an Israeli civil rights group, condemned the violence as "a night of pogroms" and accused authorities of failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings. "No preventive measures were put in place," the group said in a statement.
Political fallout and international condemnation
Over 500 mourners attended Sherman's funeral on Sunday, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has faced sanctions from the UK and other countries for inciting violence against Palestinians.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attacks as "terrorising and killing of civilians" during Eid al-Fitr. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggested settlers had regrouped near Palestinian villages, with WAFA news agency claiming a car wash was set ablaze northwest of Nablus.
Yair Golan, leader of Israel's center-left Democrats, blamed the government for enabling the violence. "Jewish terrorism is spreading, exploiting the war, with the backing of extremist ministers," he wrote on X.
Settler violence surges amid regional conflict
The UN reports that six Palestinians have been killed by settlers since March 1, coinciding with heightened tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Since the start of 2026, seven Palestinians have died at the hands of settlers and 18 by Israeli forces, with 15 of those killings occurring after the Iran conflict began on February 28.
The EU and UK have demanded Israel curb the violence, which has escalated since the outbreak of hostilities in Iran. Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank-home to 700,000 Jewish settlers-remains illegal under international law, though the government continues to support it.
"While we are fighting in Iran and on the northern border, under missile attacks and with many seriously wounded, this government is encouraging total anarchy."
Yair Golan, Leader of Israel's Democrats
