Violence and Control in the West Bank: A Growing Crisis

In the West Bank, violence and displacement are on the rise, particularly during the olive harvest season. On October 10, Palestinians in Beita were attacked while picking olives, resulting in 20 injuries. Just nine days later, a 53-year-old woman was beaten unconscious by a masked settler in Turmus Aya. The violence continued on October 25, when a 65-year-old man was assaulted in front of his family in Nahalin. On November 8, harvesters in Beita were attacked again, with two Reuters employees among the injured. The United Nations reported a record number of settler attacks in October, with over 260 incidents. This surge in violence is part of a larger pattern. Since October 7, 2023, over 1, 000 Palestinians have been killed, and 3, 000 have been displaced from their homes due to settler violence. Additionally, 40, 000 Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank. The Israeli government has also erected nearly 1, 000 barriers and checkpoints, severely restricting Palestinian movement. The Israeli government's agenda includes expanding control over the West Bank. Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition aim to annex the territory, effectively preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Most Israelis are unaware of the daily violence and displacement faced by Palestinians. Israeli media often downplays the reality on the ground, presenting it as an exception rather than policy. The Israeli government has been systematically tightening its grip on the West Bank. Over the past 25 years, the territory has become increasingly integrated with Israel, with the term "occupation" rarely appearing in public discourse. The institutionalization of control over land, resources, and people beyond the Green Line is just one aspect of this effective annexation. Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in Netanyahu's coalition, has accelerated this process. As the effective governor of the West Bank, Smotrich has approved thousands of housing units in settlements and facilitated the expropriation of extensive territories. He has also pushed for construction in the E1 area, which could further divide the West Bank. Smotrich's policies have made it nearly impossible for Palestinians to reclaim their land. International focus on the cease-fire in Gaza is crucial, but the West Bank must not be overlooked. Recognizing Palestinian statehood and reasserting the path to statehood are important steps, but more action is needed. A policy that opposes formal annexation but does nothing to stop de facto annexation will only encourage Israel to continue its current practices. The situation in the West Bank is dire and requires immediate attention and action.