Defense Minister Israel Katz held an emergency meeting following recent violent incidents by far-right settlers on IDF soldiers in recent days, including an arson attack on a military facility early on Monday.
Katz stated that those engaged in violence against IDF soldiers and security forces must be “dealt with severely” and that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The defense minister emphasized the need to deploy significant police enforcement to the area and that a joint enforcement body, headed by police and including the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), will be established to coordinate all efforts related to these incidents.
Katz also instructed the allocation of tens of millions of shekels in funding for social and community programs for hilltop youth, in coordination with local council heads, with the goal of integrating youth into educational frameworks and steering them away from unlawful activity.
Participants in the briefing included senior IDF officials, including the head of Central Command, and members of the Judea and Samaria District Police. Representatives from the Shin Bet were also present.
Recent incidents of assaults against soldiers and the arson attack against a security facility were discussed, as well as a separate shooting incident involving a minor that is under investigation.
The participants emphasized that the broader settler community is not involved in such violent acts, rather saying that the perpetrators are a small, radical, and violent minority who intentionally engage in attacks, including against security forces and fellow settlers.
Katz stated that he would hold a follow-up meeting in three weeks to review progress on the issue.