Settlers formed an independent volunteer military patrol, made up of former soldiers and security men, under the pretext of working to combat stone throwing at settlers’ vehicles and provide security for them as they passed on the 55 settlement road near Qalqilya.

According to Israeli Army Radio, this step was taken without coordination with the army.

Residents of settlements surrounding that street claimed that they took the initiative after the increase in stone-throwing incidents in the area, and because the Israeli army does not provide the feeling of security they require.

They indicated that if the Israeli army made a change in the area, they would stop guarding.

The Israeli army responded to this as an individual initiative that was not coordinated with it.