Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Jab’a in the occupied West Bank on March 25, 2024, setting homes and vehicles ablaze. The incident followed the demolition of illegal outpost structures by Israeli forces in the area. Videos geolocated by CNN show multiple vehicles engulfed in flames and a building burning in Jab’a, located approximately 15 kilometers (nine miles) southwest of Bethlehem.
Reports indicate that villagers struggled to extinguish the fires. Surveillance footage captured masked individuals entering a home and vandalizing vehicles. According to Diab Masha’leh, head of the Jab’a village council, settlers targeted three inhabited homes and three vehicles. He confirmed that villagers managed to put out the fires without any reported injuries but noted significant material damage.
Escalating Violence and Official Responses
This attack is part of a troubling increase in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. In a rare public condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the violence stemmed from “a small, extremist group that does not represent the settlers.” He pledged to address the issue personally and convene relevant ministers to tackle what he described as a serious phenomenon, implicitly referencing far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who supports settlement expansion.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that following the demolition of illegal structures, a group of Israeli civilians set fire to homes and vehicles in Jab’a. In a statement, the IDF indicated that security forces are conducting searches to identify those involved in the actions, which are still ongoing.
Earlier that day, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and settlers near Metzad, also known as Asfar, following the demolition of illegal outpost structures. This incident, described as unusual under the current government, resulted in injuries to several Border Police officers and security personnel. The military and police reported that violent riots involved stone-throwing and the hurling of various objects at security forces. Six suspects were arrested during the confrontations.
International Context and Legal Issues
Under both international and Israeli law, these outposts are considered illegal. The operation to evacuate and demolish the structures saw multiple security divisions involved early on Monday. The joint statement from the military and police noted that resistance included barricaded individuals and hundreds of rioters.
Following the violent events, the IDF emphasized its condemnation of all forms of violence, stating it undermines security in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed his full support for the security forces, declaring, “We will not tolerate attempts by a small, violent, criminal group to take the law into their own hands.”
As tensions remain high in the region, the response from the Israeli government and the continuing violence against Palestinian communities raise significant concerns about security and human rights in the West Bank. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to seek peaceful resolutions to escalating conflicts.
