Israeli security warns government weakened army against settlers as West Bank tensions rise

Senior officials in Israel’s security services have warned that the weakening of military authority in the West Bank, due to pressure from ministers and coalition Knesset members, is creating security tensions that could erupt at any moment.

Senior security officials said the army is hesitant to issue warnings about settler violence. They explained: “They immediately become targets for extremists who are supported by ministers and Knesset members.” Meanwhile, commanders in the West Bank have reported increasing extremism among soldiers returning from Gaza.

A security source told Haaretz: “Today, no one cares about the West Bank. Everyone knows we are on the verge of an explosion. But no one will defend themselves. There is real fear among law‑enforcement leaders because they immediately become targets for extremists who are backed by ministers and Knesset members.”

According to a senior officer involved in a large-scale exercise last week, “the West Bank is the most volatile area,” even though Israel’s focus remains on Gaza and Lebanon. He said the situation is quiet for now, but a single incident could ignite the entire region. The officer warned that the whole Israeli army could be drawn into the West Bank, pointing to settlers acting with growing impunity and committing what he described as terrorist acts.

READ: Israel’s Shin Bet chief suggests use of electronic bracelets to curb settler violence against Palestinians