Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked troops and Border Police officers near the West Bank settlement of Itamar on Saturday after security forces intervened to recover a Palestinian-owned vehicle allegedly stolen by settlers, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Upon their arrival, the troops faced violent resistance as settlers hurled stones and assaulted soldiers. One soldier was punched, though no injuries were reported. Security forces detained five suspects and dispersed the crowd.
“The IDF strongly condemns any violence against its security personnel and views such incidents very gravely,” the military stated.
This incident followed another confrontation on Friday night in Hebron, where extremist settlers attempted to assault IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth during an annual pilgrimage. The group reportedly chased Bluth and his accompanying troops, calling him a traitor and trying to block a critical military exit. Five arrests were also made in that skirmish.
The escalating violence comes amid heightened tensions in the region and criticism of settler actions by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and others.