Settlers Set Fire to Mosque in West Bank

Incident Details

• Location: Deir Istiya, West Bank
• Attack: Mosque set on fire, hateful messages written in Hebrew on walls
• Damage: One wall burned, three copies of the Quran and carpets damaged
• Timing: One day after Israeli leaders condemned settler violence

Response and Investigation

• Israeli Military: Investigating the attack, no suspects found yet
• Case Handled By: Police and security agencies

Broader Context

• Recent Incidents: Part of a larger pattern of settler violence
• Concerns Raised By: Top officials, military leaders, U.S. government
• Condemnations:
• Israeli President Isaac Herzog: "Shocking and serious"
• Army Chief: Army will not tolerate violence

Ongoing Issues

• Settler Violence: Continues despite condemnations
• Palestinian and Rights Groups: Claim violence is widespread, government inaction
• Historical Context: Mosque in Deir Istiya attacked in 2012 and 2014
• Escalation Since Gaza War: October saw highest number of settler attacks ever recorded
• Goal of Violence: Palestinians say it aims to force them off their land

Settlement Expansion

• New Outposts: Settlers expanding settlements near Palestinian villages
• Accusations: Palestinians accuse Israeli army and police of inaction