Herzog warns Israeli leadership of escalating violence in West Bank, says it may lead to civil war

President Isaac Herzog sent a warning letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and National Security Council head Ben Ezra on October 8, warning that escalating nationalistic violence in the West Bank could lead to civil war. The letter, obtained by the Jerusalem Post, followed a visit by Herzog to the West Bank and called for a coordinated emergency plan.

President Isaac Herzog sent an unusual warning letter on October 8 to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Council head Shmuel Ben Ezra, warning that escalating nationalistic violence in the West Bank could lead to civil war. The letter, obtained by the Jerusalem Post and circulated to senior IDF officers, the attorney-general, and the foreign minister, followed a visit by Herzog to the West Bank where he met with IDF commanders, police, and Shin Bet personnel. Herzog described a worsening situation with organized criminal activity by groups of Jewish rioters, including arson, uprooting trees, and stone-throwing. He warned that a clash in the village of Jalud nearly led to IDF forces using live ammunition against Israeli civilians. Herzog called for a coordinated emergency plan, including reinforcing security forces, large-scale arrests, administrative detention, and an interministerial task force. He stressed that without decisive action, the violence could threaten Israel's security, international standing, and relations with Diaspora Jewry.