Kathmandu— Residents of the occupied West Bank village of Qusra have been forced to remain indoors due to escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers, while the Israeli military’s response has been criticized as insufficient. The United States has condemned the actions of the settlers – with Ambassador Mike Huckabee calling them “terrorists” – but successive Israeli governments, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are accused of supporting a movement aimed at solidifying Israeli control over the territory and preventing Palestinian statehood. Over 500,000 Jewish settlers now reside in settlements built since Israel captured the West Bank in 1967, with many resembling fully developed towns.

Settlement Expansion and Legal Disparities

Israel has constructed nearly 150 settlements in the West Bank since capturing it in 1967, now housing over 500,000 Jewish settlers. These range from established suburbs with full amenities to unauthorized outposts that still receive protection from the Israeli military. Netanyahu’s current government, considered the most nationalist and religious in Israel's history, has actively promoted settlement growth, even celebrating the rebuilding of settlements previously dismantled. The majority of the international community views these settlements as illegal obstacles to peace.

The legal systems governing settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank are markedly different; while settlers are Israeli citizens subject to Israeli police and courts, Palestinians live under Israeli military rule with limited autonomy granted by the Palestinian Authority. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to transfer law enforcement among settlers to the Israeli police, stating that the military should focus on “protecting the borders and settlements against threats,” effectively cementing a separate legal framework for Jews and Palestinians.

Limited Accountability for Settler Violence

Despite acknowledging the illegality of settler actions in places like Qusra, the Israeli military has been accused by rights groups of often turning a blind eye to violence or prioritizing the protection of settlers. Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights organization, reports that approximately 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 have ended without indictments, with only 3% resulting in full or partial convictions. This lack of accountability is further compounded by the oversight of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a hard-line settler himself with a history of supporting extremist groups.

The military maintains it tries to maintain law and order but rights groups say they frequently turn a blind eye to settler violence.

International Pressure and Shifting US Policy

The United States has expressed strong disapproval of the escalating violence, particularly after learning one homeowner in Qusra was a Palestinian American. The Biden administration imposed sanctions on settlers and organizations accused of violence, while other Western nations targeted hard-line Israeli Cabinet ministers like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for allegedly inciting extremism. However, these measures have had limited impact, with the settler community largely rallying around those sanctioned.

This contrasts sharply with the Trump administration’s approach, which rescinded U.S. sanctions and moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem, supporting Israel’s claims to disputed territories.

Political Considerations Within Israel

Netanyahu's political future is closely tied to maintaining support from settler factions like those led by Ben Gvir and Smotrich. While some opponents criticize the violence in the West Bank, most Israeli political leaders – even critics of Netanyahu – continue to support settlement growth and oppose Palestinian statehood. Gadi Eisenkot, a former top general and current rival to Netanyahu, criticized the government’s handling of events in Qusra but has also stated he does not envision a Palestinian state and supports settlements aligned with Israel's interests.

Naftali Bennett, another prominent political figure and staunch settlement supporter, condemned the violence as “terrorism” while simultaneously defending the settlement enterprise.

The situation in the West Bank remains volatile, with little indication of de-escalation. The ongoing expansion of settlements and the lack of accountability for settler violence continue to fuel tensions and hinder prospects for a lasting peace agreement.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.