Israeli president condemns serious' attack by settlers on West Bank villages

"The settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf, setting vehicles on fire and damaging property belonging to a Bedouin community, with charred remains of cars left behind the next day. The al-Juneidi dairy factory, a big employer in the area, was also damaged in the attacks, and four of its trucks laden with products were set alight."

"Israeli settler violence has surged since the war in Gaza started two years ago, with at least 1,001 Palestinians killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem by settlers and Israeli soldiers. According to the UN, 260 attacks took place in October, the deadliest month for settler violence since it started keeping track in 2006."

"The UN human rights office said settlers were seeking to accelerate displacement of Palestinians from their land, raising concerns of forcible transfer. In a rare statement on Wednesday, the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, condemned the latest attacks, saying the shocking and serious incident had been carried out by a handful of perpetrators. He called for authorities to act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon and to strengthen the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] fighters and security forces who protect us day and night."

Dozens of masked Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf in the occupied West Bank, injuring four Palestinians and clashing with Israeli soldiers. Settlers set vehicles on fire, left charred remains of cars, damaged property of a Bedouin community, and damaged the al-Juneidi dairy factory, burning four product-laden trucks. Israeli settler violence has surged since the Gaza war began two years ago, with at least 1,001 Palestinians killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem by settlers and Israeli soldiers. The UN recorded 260 attacks in October, and human rights groups warned of a permissive environment and concerns about forcible transfer. Israeli president Isaac Herzog and West Bank military chief Maj Gen Avi Bluth condemned the attacks and urged decisive action and strengthened security.

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