A classified document reveals Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military and police to curb settler violence in the West Bank.
The directive, titled "Prime Minister’s Directive on Combating Nationalist Crimes in Judea and Samaria," signals a rare policy shift. Troops have been redeployed from Lebanon to the West Bank-a first during an active conflict-to restore order.
This comes as warnings grow over troop shortages threatening national security. Despite mounting pressure, Israel approved more settlement housing in early 2025 than all of 2024 combined.
Hardliners like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have accelerated expansion through bodies like the Settlements Administration. The new directive bans new outposts in Area B and threatens economic penalties for violators.
It also targets the ‘Hilltop Youth’-radical settlers behind attacks on Palestinians and confrontations with security forces. A new unit within the Ministry of Defense aims to deter youth involvement via education and therapy.
UN data shows over 1,800 settler attacks displaced 1,600 Palestinians in 2025 alone. Casualties include 240 Palestinians and 17 Israelis.