Israeli estimates: West Bank annexation plans fuel Jewish terrorism against Palestinians

Warnings are escalating within Israeli circles about the serious repercussions of the right-wing government's policies aimed at annexing occupied West Bank territories. Observers believe that these political moves have been accompanied by a lax approach by army forces towards settler attacks, leading to a steady growth in what is described as Jewish terrorism directed against Palestinian citizens and their property.

In this context, media sources quoted the Chief of Staff of the Army, Eyal Zamir, confirming during a recent military event the seriousness of crimes of a nationalistic nature. Zamir stressed that these actions do not serve the security system, but rather directly harm the image of the state and the army, calling on the competent authorities to take immediate action and not stand by as spectators in the face of violent groups.

Despite these official statements, field realities indicate a wide gap between the declared discourse and practices on the ground. It has become common for military leaders to be asked to provide testimonies about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, amid increasing doubts about the security system's willingness or ability to curb settlers who now feel absolute immunity.

Statistics recorded at the beginning of 2026 indicate a dramatic shift in the nature of the field conflict in the West Bank. January of this year recorded a number of victims of Jewish terrorism exceeding the number of victims of operations carried out by the Palestinian resistance, which reflects the unprecedented boldness and initiative of settlement groups in carrying out their attacks.

One of the most prominent pieces of evidence of this escalation is what happened in the village of Ein ad-Duyuk in the Jericho area, where groups of settlers stormed the village using heavy machinery and bulldozers. This attack resulted in widespread destruction affecting a large number of Palestinian homes, in an organized operation aimed at displacing residents and seizing their lands.

Human rights sources reported horrific testimonies of about 50 settlers storming the area, where they seized all property and livestock without any deterrent. The victims expressed their astonishment at the silence of the civil administration and army forces that were present near the attack site, without moving a finger to stop the systematic looting and destruction.

In an attempt to justify the security failure, military sources claimed that forces went to the site immediately after receiving reports, but were unable to identify the suspects. These claims contradict the extent of the destruction left by the attack, as the destruction of 20 homes was documented, meaning that the attackers spent a long time at the site under the eyes of cameras and military surveillance.

On the legal front, the police merely issued routine statements about ongoing investigations involving security officials. These investigations often end without real charges being brought, which reinforces the conviction among Palestinians that there is institutional complicity aimed at protecting the perpetrators and ensuring the continued pressure on the Palestinian presence.

Reports reveal a hidden tension between the government's political orientations pushing for annexation, and some security levels that realize the cost of this chaos. However, it seems that the political decision ultimately prevails, imposing a new reality that transcends the military and civil laws in force in the occupied territories.

One of the most dangerous observed developments is the Central Command of the army recruiting residents of random farms and settlement outposts into what is known as the regional defense system. This measure granted extremist settlers official status, as they now wear military uniforms and carry army weapons while carrying out their attacks on Palestinian villages and towns.

Consistent testimonies from international and local human rights organizations confirm that in many cases, the attackers wear full military uniforms. This overlap between settler and soldier has made it difficult for victims to distinguish between an attack carried out by settler gangs and an official military operation, exacerbating the state of personal insecurity for Palestinians.

Analysts believe that this phenomenon is not just isolated incidents, but rather part of a broader strategy aimed at creating an environment that expels Palestinians from areas classified as 'C'. By integrating settlers into the security system, the government ensures the implementation of the de facto annexation agenda away from international accountability or direct diplomatic pressure.

The continuation of this approach warns of a comprehensive explosion in the occupied territories, as attacks are no longer limited to vandalizing trees or simple property. Instead, they have moved to the stage of mass demolition of homes and complete control over natural resources, under a political cover that provides legal and field protection for the perpetrators of these crimes.

In conclusion, the question remains about the international community's ability to intervene to stop this deterioration, in light of internal Israeli reports acknowledging the growing power of 'Jewish terrorism'. Silence on these practices not only contributes to undermining the two-state solution but also opens the door to a new wave of violence that no party may be able to control in the future.

All types of crimes, including nationalistic ones, do not enhance security, but rather harm settlements, the army, and the state.