More than 100 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and security forces in the West Bank village of Jalud, preventing the military from enforcing a Supreme Court order to return the displaced Tubasi family to their home. The violent overnight clashes left three border police officers injured and gutted the family’s house.
Mahmoud Tubasi Returns to a Gutted Home Before Settlers Storm the Village
Two months after Israeli settlers forced Mahmoud Tubasi and his family out of their northern West Bank house, the family was finally cleared to return overnight following multiple legal attempts through the coordination body between Israeli authorities and Palestinian security officials. Escorted by the Israeli military and police early Tuesday morning, the family found their home heavily damaged.
Video footage filmed by Tubasi’s son revealed shattered doors, smashed appliances, and jagged holes punched through the walls. Outside, the settlers who had previously seized the property were camped in a tent. Shortly after the family’s arrival, more than 100 Israeli settlers stormed the house, attacking the family and the police officers stationed inside.
Clashes Erupt as Security Forces Struggle to Control the Crowds
The military stated that more than 100 rioters blocked roads, set tires on fire, and hurled rocks toward security personnel. Three border police officers sustained light injuries, and a security vehicle was damaged during the chaos.
According to the military, the settlers set fire to the Tubasi family car and the house itself. Footage captured from the base of the hill showed thick smoke pouring into the night sky, leaving the structure gutted and blackened by daybreak.
Supreme Court Mandates and Prior Military Complicity Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court ordered the military this month to ensure the safe return of the Tubasi family. Under international law, Israel functions as an occupying power responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting Palestinians in the West Bank—a principle recognized by Israeli courts.
Palestinians previously documented soldiers standing idly by or playing ball in the yard with settlers occupying the Tubasi residence. The military reported that the soldiers filmed playing with settlers had already been removed from combat duty.
Political Fallout and International Condemnation Intensify Ahead of Elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violent riots directed at security personnel, minimizing the broader pattern of settler violence as the work of a handful of rioters
who do not represent the law-abiding settler community in Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu made no mention of the attacks on Palestinians.
Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main challenger in the upcoming general election, blamed the escalation on government policy, describing the reality as anarchy and a loss of control.
Internationally, the United States State Department stated it was aware of the reports and maintained regular dialogue with regional partners regarding West Bank stability. A spokesperson emphasized support for legal accountability and judicial processes for those responsible for criminal violence.
Police Open Investigations While Arrests Remain Minimal
Israeli police opened an investigation into the overnight violence. Authorities confirmed that three people were arrested in connection with the clashes, while the military reported apprehending two suspects during the efforts to disperse the rioters.