Palestinian residents of towns in the West Bank describe a pattern of harassment and violence by Israeli settlers, with some incidents resulting in deaths. In Kobar, a settler identified locally as “Ghazal” has allegedly been stealing livestock and property from Palestinian farmers while wearing military uniforms and working alongside Israeli Border Police. Bassema Khader, a 63-year-old farmer, documented incidents in which the settler fired weapons and stole sheep and solar panels from her family’s property.
The violence has extended to more severe incidents. Mohammad Majdi Abu Makho from Deir Jarir reported being run over by a settler’s vehicle and pepper-sprayed in December 2025, and later discovered the settler involved held the status of an Israeli army reservist. In April 2026, 23-year-old Ali Majed Hamadneh was killed in Deir Jarir during an encounter involving settlers with grazing animals and a reserve soldier. The Israeli military and the human rights organization B’Tselem offered conflicting accounts of the incident, with B’Tselem’s investigation concluding the reserve soldier fired the fatal shot and disputed the military’s narrative about the circumstances.
According to B’Tselem, settler groups have been responsible for at least 35 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. The integration of settlers into military structures has accelerated, with approximately 5,500 West Bank settlers called up as reservists and assigned to regional defense battalions. Testimonies from military personnel indicate these units operate with significant autonomy and limited oversight from regular commanders, with members explicitly asserting territorial control.
International organizations have documented the expansion of settler military roles in the West Bank. Human Rights Watch researchers note the Israeli government has equipped settlers with security responsibilities, weapons, and police powers at unprecedented levels. In May 2026, the European Union imposed sanctions on Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli organization that reportedly provides armed volunteers and material support to violent outposts and settlements throughout the region.
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