Condemnation across Israeli political spectrum of Jewish settler violence against IDF soldiers in Samaria

The clashes last night in Samaria, in the Binyamin region, during which Jewish settlers attacked IDF reservists, sparked a wave of reactions and condemnations on Saturday from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a condemnation after the Sabbath, stating: “The State of Israel is a country of law, and no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands.”

He added: “These incidents must be thoroughly investigated, and those who broke the law and acted against our soldiers must be held fully accountable. These individuals are a small minority that does not represent the vast majority of settlers, who respect the law and serve in the IDF and security forces.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz said: “I strongly condemn the severe acts of violence and the attack on IDF soldiers in Binyamin. I call on rabbis and settlement leaders to firmly denounce and disavow these acts of violence. The State of Israel will not tolerate violence, vigilantism, or attacks on IDF soldiers who bravely fight against Palestinian terror in the West Bank and protect the settlers day and night.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted on his Twitter account: “The incident will be investigated and clarified. In the meantime, what is clear is that live fire by the IDF against Jews crosses a red line—it is forbidden, dangerous, and demands a thorough investigation and personal accountability.”

He added: “The IDF and the settlers are one. Anyone who raises a hand against IDF soldiers is fighting against the settlement movement, not supporting it. Still, live fire at Jews is unacceptable and dangerous. The event must be independently investigated to its full extent, lessons must be learned, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel wrote briefly: “Anyone who raises a hand against an IDF soldier, throws stones at them, or tries to run them over is despicable and deserves no protection.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid referred to the attackers as “dangerous criminals aiding our enemies,” adding: “Security forces must ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.”

Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan also condemned the events: “The gravest existential threat to the State of Israel doesn’t come from Iran or Yemen—it’s from within. Kahanist, nationalist, and extremist Israel is deliberately working to dismantle Jewish and democratic Israel. These people don’t hesitate to use violence against the innocent, to attack IDF soldiers, police officers, and security forces protecting the very settlements from which these rioters launch Jewish terror attacks. This is no fringe phenomenon—it is a dangerous movement that has taken deep root, even around the government table.”

The IDF Spokesperson also addressed the incident in an official morning statement: “Upon arrival of the forces, dozens of Israeli civilians threw stones at them and physically and verbally assaulted the soldiers, including the battalion commander.”

The statement added that the rioters vandalized security forces' vehicles and even attempted to run them over. Additionally, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir spoke with the commander of Battalion 7114, Lt. Col. G., and with the commander of the Binyamin Brigade, Col. A., fully backing their conduct and firmly condemning any harm to IDF soldiers.

Masked attackers assaulted reservists, six arrested

The events began last night when about 70 Israeli civilians, some masked, gathered at an outpost near a Palestinian village. They attacked Israeli security forces, throwing stones, prompting IDF troops to use crowd-control measures. One civilian sustained light injuries from a sponge-tipped bullet.

Later that night, the civilians resumed their violent attacks on IDF field commanders. According to reports, they assaulted and choked one commander and vandalized a police vehicle by slashing its tires.

About 30 minutes later, Israeli civilians in a vehicle tried to run over security personnel, and another 30 civilians hurled stones at an IDF force. In response, the troops fired warning shots into the air. No injuries were reported in either incident.

At the same time, five civilian vehicles intentionally rammed into a military vehicle during a blockade attempt. No injuries occurred, but the military vehicle was damaged. Later that night, another military vehicle was vandalized—its tires slashed and a Molotov cocktail thrown at it. Again, no injuries were reported, but damage was caused to the vehicles.