Settler violence harms Israel’s interests. But for PM, halting it could hurt him politically

The Times of Israel reports that settler violence in the West Bank, including attacks on European diplomats and a Washington Post photographer, harms Israel's interests. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu downplays the attacks and casts doubt on reports, a move the article attributes to political calculus ahead of an election, as his coalition partners support settlers.

Saturday's attack by extremist Jewish settlers in the West Bank left members of a European diplomatic delegation injured and their cars damaged near Taybeh. The day before, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was badly beaten near Abu Falah. The article argues that the wave of settler violence harms Israel's diplomatic interests at a time of low global standing, but Prime Minister Netanyahu has downplayed the attacks and cast doubt on reports, rather than using security services to arrest perpetrators. With a week to go before a closely fought election, Netanyahu appears to be treading lightly to avoid alienating coalition partners who look positively upon settler violence. The article details international condemnation from Belgium, France, the US, and the EU, and notes that even US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the attack on Levine as a 'despicable act of terror.' Netanyahu's office responded by urging caution, pointing out that the diplomatic convoy entered a sensitive area without coordinating with the IDF, and expressing concern about a coordinated campaign to smear Israel.

Settler violence harms Israel’s interests. But for PM, halting it could hurt him politically