Escalating Settler Violence in West Bank Leaves Palestinians Vulnerable

Over a dozen Palestinian villages in the Israeli-occupied West Bank have emptied since a surprise Hamas terror attack in October, with over 1,000 residents fleeing due to a surge in Israeli settler violence and intimidation. The settlers, emboldened by the war, have been accused of attacking and threatening Palestinians, with some far-right Israeli leaders fanning the campaign. The violence threatens hopes for a two-state solution and has led to increased restrictions on Palestinian residents, with Israeli security forces failing to prosecute attackers. The Biden administration has called for Israel to rein in the settlers and make efforts towards a two-state solution, but opposition from far-right allies in Netanyahu's government poses a challenge.