Settlers set fire to property in the West Bank towns of Huwara and Beit Furik early Wednesday after Israeli authorities demolished illegal structures built on private Palestinian land near Nablus, according to Palestinian reports.
A store, several cars, a partially constructed home in Beit Furik and multiple buildings and vehicles in Huwara were burned, causing extensive damage but no reported injuries.
The Israeli Civil Administration said the demolitions followed repeated criminal acts originating from the illegal outpost and were carried out in accordance with a decision by defense forces to prevent further violence.
A statement from the administration cited concerns that such activities could escalate tensions in the area. Officials noted settlers were notified in advance of the demolition, which included a religious seminary, as a gesture of respect for their religious practices.
Earlier clashes between settlers and Israeli security forces near the settlement of Itamar left three Border Patrol officers injured.
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Analysis indicates that the events highlight ongoing challenges faced by Israeli security forces in enforcing the law against nationalist crimes by settlers. Observers report that even when suspects are apprehended, 90% are not prosecuted. Violent settlers reportedly use various tactics to evade detection, including destroying surveillance equipment, masking their identities and refusing to cooperate with investigations.
Settlers set fire to Palestinian property in Beit Furik
The failure to address such crimes has drawn criticism domestically and internationally, with nations like the U.S. and Britain imposing sanctions on settlers and related organizations for involvement in attacks against Palestinians. Experts warn that settler violence destabilizes the West Bank, exacerbates tensions, and burdens security forces already stretched thin.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed Wednesday that he had reduced the administrative detention of a settler convicted of violent crimes, releasing him from custody early.