Netanyahu condemns settler attack in flashpoint West Bank village
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have issued rare condemnations following a violent attack by Israeli settlers on the Palestinian village of Qusra in the West Bank. The incident involved settlers barricading themselves inside a Palestinian home and assaulting residents, prompting an ongoing investigation by Israeli security forces.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the escalating cycle of violence in the West Bank and the growing international and domestic pressure on the Israeli government to address settler lawlessness. It underscores the deepening instability in the region amidst the ongoing broader conflict.
Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Qusra in the northern occupied West Bank on Saturday (August 29, 2026) after nearly three weeks of tension in the area, drawing rare condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier in August, a group of settlers began blocking supplies from entering Palestinian houses on the outskirts of the village near Nablus, trapping residents inside and drawing unusually strong criticism from the U.S. Ambassador.
Weeks later, Israeli forces continue to operate in the area while settlers still roam the surrounding hills.
On Saturday (August 29), Qusra residents and the military said dozens of settlers had descended on the village, throwing stones at residents and barricading themselves inside a house while Palestinians were inside.
In nearby Jalud, NBC News said masked settlers attacked and injured members of its reporting team and a Palestinian woman it had gone to interview.
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