The Shin Bet has tightened its internal criteria for classifying Jewish nationalist attacks, counting only incidents that show a “clear intent to kill” as terrorism, according to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan.
Under the shift, arson of unoccupied structures or vehicles is labeled a “serious incident,” is investigated by the agency, but is prioritized differently. The change was introduced about a year ago, per the report.
Israeli officials have grappled with a rise in alleged settler violence in the West Bank, including arson and assaults. In recent months, police and the IDF announced arrests tied to vehicle torchings and other property damage.
Kan reported that several January arson cases did not meet the new terror threshold because investigators found no evidence of intent to kill.
The reclassification affects internal prioritization and resources but does not preclude criminal investigations or prosecutions.
Buildings set ablaze in Bedouin community
On January 30, two buildings were set ablaze in a Bedouin community northeast of Jerusalem, prompting condemnation from UN officials and renewed scrutiny of enforcement.
Security services have acknowledged the broader challenge. The IDF recently stated it failed in 2025 to reduce Jewish extremist violence against Palestinians, noting a spike in “nationalistic” incidents compared with the previous year.
Authorities say they are pursuing suspects and weighing charges on a case-by-case basis. Separately, Israel launched a dedicated police task force to counter Jewish extremism, part of a wider effort to deter property attacks and intimidation.
President Isaac Herzog has previously called such violence “shocking and severe,” adding that it “crosses a red line,” in remarks following a West Bank arson case investigated by security forces.