IDF Condemns Settlers for Establishing Illegal Outpost in Palestinian Family’s Yard Near Nablus

The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday strongly condemned Israeli settlers who established an unauthorized outpost in the yard of a Palestinian family in the West Bank village of Qusra, near Nablus, while the settlers remained at the site.

The IDF described the activity as illegal and condemned it as harmful to Palestinian residents and the fabric of life in the surrounding villages.

“This is illegal, reprehensible and unacceptable activity that harms the residents of the villages and their way of life,” the military said in a statement. “The IDF strongly condemns incidents of this kind.”

The army said that all those involved would be dealt with in coordination with Israel's security forces and that military personnel found to have participated in such incidents would face disciplinary action.

IDF imposes closed military zone

According to the military, reports have been received in recent weeks of Israeli civilians entering Palestinian homes and land in the areas of Qusra and Jalud and taking control of them.

Following the reports, as well as reports of disturbances in the area, the IDF imposed a closed military zone order restricting access to the area by anyone who is not a local resident.

The military said the measure was intended to prevent further disturbances and address the security situation in the area.

The settlers reportedly established the outpost in the yard of the Palestinian family in Qusra two days ago and blocked access to the property with stones.

According to reports, the location is adjacent to two isolated Palestinian homes. The blockade effectively cut the families living there off from the village of Qusra, which is located in Area B of the West Bank.

Residents reportedly expressed concern about leaving their homes because of the presence of the settlers and the blocked access.

Footage from the site showed Israeli soldiers sitting alongside the settlers and joining them in prayer, according to reports.

The presence of soldiers alongside the settlers has raised questions over the enforcement of the military's closed-zone order and the army's handling of the incident.

Journalists report being blocked and attacked

The incident also involved a confrontation with journalists from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

According to the newspaper's account, settlers prevented West Bank correspondent Matan Golan and photographer Itay Ron from reaching the Palestinian family's home. The settlers reportedly blocked the journalists' vehicle for approximately two hours and assaulted the two journalists.

Soldiers who arrived at the scene reportedly declined to assist the journalists and instead presented them with a closed military zone order, although the order was not enforced against the settlers, according to the report.

More than an hour later, a Border Police unit arrived at the scene. The settlers reportedly sat on the hood of the journalists' vehicle, while police officers said they were waiting for instructions before removing them.

The officers eventually escorted the journalists out of the area.

Reports of a gathering at the site

Later, residents of Qusra reportedly said that dozens of settlers held a barbecue in the yard of the besieged Palestinian home.

Journalists were reportedly prevented from reaching the property on the grounds that the area was subject to the closed military zone order.

The reports have intensified criticism over the apparent gap between the IDF's public condemnation of the settlers' actions and its conduct at the site.

In its statement, the IDF emphasized that military personnel found to have participated in such incidents would be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

“If it is found that reservists or regular IDF personnel were involved in these incidents, they will be dealt with through disciplinary measures,” the military said.

The statement reflects an effort by the army to distinguish its official policy from the actions of civilians involved in establishing unauthorized outposts or taking control of Palestinian property.

Growing tensions in the northern West Bank

The incident comes amid continuing tensions in parts of the northern West Bank, where Israeli security forces have sought to prevent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli civilians while maintaining military control over sensitive areas.

Qusra and neighboring communities have previously been the scene of confrontations between Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers.

The latest incident is likely to draw further scrutiny over the enforcement of Israeli military orders in the West Bank and over the treatment of Palestinian residents, Israeli civilians and journalists operating in areas under military control.