Escalating Settler Violence in West Bank Sparks Concerns

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant condemned violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, stating that in a state of law, only the police and military have the right to use force. The United States recently announced visa bans against individuals involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the occupied West Bank. The West Bank has seen a surge in violence due to expanding Jewish settlements and a stalemate in U.S.-sponsored peacemaking. Gallant emphasized that violence should only be carried out by authorized government entities such as the military, police, and security services.