“Radical Jewish settler elements have been emboldened by the presence of hardline politicians in the Israeli government, such as finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.”

“In 2023, Smotrich established a new government body called the 'Settlements Administration' that he personally oversees, and which allows for quicker decisions on settlement expansion.”

“The prime minister's directive, as seen by Euronews, was issued at the latest security cabinet meeting on 25 March. It states that IDF troops in the West Bank would be 'reinforced to strengthen the combating of nationalist crimes and to ensure the effective presence of forces in areas of friction.' No new settlement outposts will be allowed in Area B, a section of the West Bank which is under joint Palestinian and Israeli control.”

“Netanyahu has in the past condemned settler violence though he usually describes it as the work of a few extremists rather than a widespread phenomenon, making this shift in policy and the recall of troops all the more remarkable.”

“The directive also outlines economic sanctions against settlers who would illegally set up new outposts, due to the cost incurred by the IDF to dismantle them. It calls on government ministers to support 'the fight against nationalist crimes in Judea and Samaria,' in what appears to be a veiled warning to Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, another hardline cabinet member promoting settlement expansion.”

“Several European countries have slapped sanctions on both ministers, including a travel ban.”

“The document also mentions the establishment of a special administration within the Ministry of Defence to address the 'Hilltop Youth' phenomenon, in reference to extremist religious-nationalist Jewish youth living in the West Bank and who advocate for the expulsion of all Palestinians and the establishment of a religious state.”

“They have been found responsible for setting up outposts on private Palestinian land and attacking Palestinians, as well as vandalising and looting their properties. They have also violently confronted Israeli soldiers and police during outpost evacuations. Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have praised them as 'pioneers'.”

“The new special administration says it will 'steer at-risk youth away from violent activity through educational and therapeutic interventions.'”

“The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has noted an increase in settler violence against West Bank Palestinians with more than 1,800 attacks and the displacement of some 1,600 Palestinians in 2025. A total of 240 Palestinians have been killed either by settlers or the army in 2025. 17 Israelis were killed by Palestinians during the same period.”