Israel’s President Says ‘Shocking’ Settler Violence Against Palestinians Must End

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel ‘s president on Wednesday condemned what he called a “shocking and serious” attack by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, calling for an end to a growing wave of settler violence in the occupied territory.

President Isaac Herzog’s comments added a powerful voice to what has been muted criticism by top Israeli officials of the settler violence. Herzog’s position, while largely ceremonial, is meant to serve as a moral compass and unifying force for the country.

Herzog said the violence committed by a “handful” of perpetrators “crosses a red line,” adding in a social media post that “all state authorities must act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon and to strengthen the IDF fighters and security forces who protect us day and night.”

האירועים הקשים שהתרחשו הערב בשומרון על ידי קומץ אלים ומסוכן מזעזעים וחמורים. אלימות שכזאת כלפי אזרחים וכלפי חיילי צה"ל חוצה קו אדום ואני מגנה אותה בחומרה. על כל גורמי המדינה לפעול בנחרצות למיגור התופעה ולחיזוק לוחמי צה״ל וכוחות הבטחון השומרים עלינו יומם וליל.

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 11, 2025

His remarks came after dozens of masked Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf in the West Bank on Tuesday, setting fire to vehicles and other property before clashing with Israeli soldiers.

A top Israeli commander echoed Herzog, saying that such violence by an “anarchist fringe” from within the Israeli settler community is unacceptable and will be dealt with “firmly.”

Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth denounced what he called an “unacceptable situation” that forces significant resources to be diverted from bolstering security and conducting counterterrorism operations.”

“The reality in which anarchist fringe youth act violently against innocent civilians and against security forces is unacceptable and is extremely serious,” Bluth said. “It must be dealt with firmly.”