Settler violence rises, Israelis, foreigners question the cost of government inaction - editorial

The Jerusalem Post editorial condemns the rise in settler violence in the West Bank, citing US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's call for action and a 63% surge in incidents. It criticizes the Israeli government's inaction, quoting officials and highlighting the political stakes ahead of October elections.

The Jerusalem Post editorial addresses the rise in settler violence in the West Bank and the perceived inaction of the Israeli government. It opens with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's strong condemnation of 'Israeli terrorists' after extremists took over Palestinian homes in Kusea and Jalud. The article cites Yesh Din reporting on an outpost established in January, where settlers imposed a siege, damaged property, and clashed with security forces. It notes a 63% surge in serious incidents of 'nationalistic crime' in the first half of 2026, with 660 attacks recorded, up from 405 in the same period in 2025. The editorial criticizes the government's 'hands off' policy, pointing to Defense Minister Israel Katz's removal of administrative detention for Jews and Prime Minister Netanyahu's dismissal of the issue as involving '150 or so kids.' It acknowledges that most settlers are law-abiding and that coverage may be disproportionate, but argues that the extremists are 'going wild' and that the government has no interest in quelling them. The piece concludes by framing the issue as a key question for voters in the October elections.