Israeli extremist settlers use sheep farms, intimidation to expand West Bank control, CBS reports

A CBS News 60 Minutes investigation, broadcast on October 11, 2026, reveals that extremist settler sheep farmers in the West Bank use their flocks to drive out Palestinians. The report states that settler flocks have "taken over" around 20% of the West Bank, and over 100 Palestinian communities have been displaced or erased by settler violence and encroaching sheep. The investigation includes interviews with settler Mordehai Minster, who argues that sheep grazing "delineates" borders, and with the Faraj family from the village of Jannatah, who describe violence and intimidation by Hilltop Youth settlers. Jewish activists from the group Sons of Abraham are also featured, attempting to protect Palestinians.

A CBS News 60 Minutes investigation, broadcast on October 11, 2026, details how extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank use sheep farming as a tool to expand territorial control and displace Palestinian communities. The report, featuring correspondent Lesley Stahl, states that settler flocks have "taken over" around 20% of the West Bank, and that over 100 Palestinian communities have been displaced or erased by settler violence and encroaching sheep. Stahl interviews Mordehai Minster, a co-founder of a sheep farm, who argues that sheep grazing is a way to "delineate the border" and that violence, while acknowledged, does not change the settlers' perceived right to the land. Minster describes the Hilltop Youth, young settlers involved in the movement, as having behavioral and drug problems. The investigation also features the Faraj family from the village of Jannatah, who describe Hilltop Youth settlers stealing electricity and water, and using violence, including a shooting and beatings, to make the area unlivable. Jewish activists from the group Sons of Abraham are shown attempting to protect Palestinians from the extremists. The report includes a physical confrontation where a settler headbutts a Palestinian man.