Israeli extremists riot and harm innocent civilians in the West Bank - Widespread Condemnation

The security establishment was alarmed last night (Thursday) by violent disturbances in the village of Jit, Samaria, where dozens of Jewish rioters set fire to homes and vehicles and allegedly shot and killed a young Palestinian man. A security source expressed shock, stating that the violence occurred "without a trigger, without an attack," and described the incident as serious. The source also noted a troubling increase in such incidents in recent months, raising concerns about the lack of law enforcement.

The violent events in Jit drew condemnation from across Israel's political landscape. Defense Minister Yoav Galant criticized the rioters, stating that "while our soldiers are fighting on the various fronts to defend the State of Israel, a handful of extremists... riot and harm innocent civilians." He affirmed his support for the IDF, Shin Bet, and police in addressing the issue "severely," emphasizing that the riots contradict Israel's moral values.

However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested a different perspective, acknowledging the rioters' actions but attributing the situation to the broader context of Palestinian terrorism. He called on the IDF to take stronger action against terrorists in the village of Jit.

International and Local Responses

The U.S. administration also condemned the violence, stating that "attacks by violent settlers against Palestinian citizens in Judea and Samaria are unacceptable and must stop." The White House urged Israeli authorities to protect all communities in the area and to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that a 23-year-old Palestinian man, Rashid Abdelkader Soda, was killed during the riots, with another person seriously injured by gunfire. The IDF stated that the claim of a Palestinian death is under investigation, and emphasized that the rioters are endangering Israel's security. The IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police have launched a joint investigation.

 Public Figures Speak Out

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed serious concern over the riots, asserting that "those who fight terrorism are the IDF and the security forces, and no one else." He vowed that those responsible for any criminal acts would be apprehended and prosecuted.

Finance Minister and Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the rioters, labeling them as criminals unrelated to the settler community. He called for strict enforcement of the law, emphasizing that the settlement should proceed legally and peacefully.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel was among the first to denounce the riots, urging immediate action against the perpetrators and describing the violence as "moral and human abominations" that damage Israel and the settlement enterprise. State President Yitzhak Herzog echoed these sentiments, stressing that the riots undermine Israel's global standing and violate Jewish and legal principles.

 Demand an End to Violence

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Council, and Ozel Vatik, head of the Kedumim Council, issued a joint statement condemning the violence and warning that such actions are not welcome in Samaria. They emphasized that dealing with terrorism is the responsibility of the IDF and law enforcement agencies and that violent acts like those in Jit must not be tolerated.