West Bank siege exposes Israel army inaction on settler violence
The Israeli military is facing criticism for its perceived inaction against settlers besieging Palestinians in the West Bank. Experts suggest that government support for the settler movement has created a conflict of interest, leading to military paralysis.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing tension between the Israeli military's professional duties and the political influence of extremist settler ideology within the current government.
The Israeli military repeatedly deployed to the site in Qusrea — Jaafar ASHTIYEH The Israeli military is touted as the most powerful in the Middle East, striking targets deep into enemy territory. But for more than a week, Israeli troops have somehow failed to evict a small group of settlers sitting on rocks in the occupied West Bank.
Experts says the military has long shown inertia when its task is stopping surging violence against Palestinians, due to government backing for the settlement movement and the increasing influence of settler ideology within the army's ranks.
More than a week ago, a handful of settlers at Qusra near Nablus began besieging Palestinians inside their homes, blocking supplies and drawing international and even domestic condemnation.
The Israeli military repeatedly deployed troops, with the United States saying it had requested action by its ally as one of the besieged Palestinians is a US citizen.
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