Israel's failure to restrain violent Jewish extremists in West Bank reaches new low - analysis

The Israeli defense establishment failed to remove Jewish extremists harassing Palestinians in the West Bank village of Tell, near Nablus, on August 11-12, 2026. IDF forces removed illegal structures but could not confirm when the extremists would be fully removed. The article cites Defense Minister Israel Katz's criticism of IDF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth over a travel restraining order on Tal Yinon Dardik as a possible cause. It notes Katz ended administrative detention for Jews in January 2025, while over 3,000 Palestinians remain in detention. Prime Minister Netanyahu remained silent.

The Israeli defense establishment hit a new low on Tuesday and Wednesday regarding its inability to restrain violent Jewish extremists in the West Bank. IDF forces were sent to remove extremists harassing Palestinians on land under Palestinian Authority control near the village of Tell, near Nablus. The IDF removed illegal structures but could not say when the extremists themselves would be fully removed. The article notes a pattern of increasing settler violence since 2023, with attacks growing from small groups to dozens or up to 100 people. It cites Defense Minister Israel Katz's recent attacks on IDF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth over a travel restraining order on Tal Yinon Dardik as a possible cause. Katz ended administrative detention for Jews in January 2025, while over 3,000 Palestinians remain in detention. Prime Minister Netanyahu remained silent. The article suggests that without US pressure, this may not be the final low.