Israeli government officials have condemned the June 29 attack on an IDF security facility in the West Bank, where individuals identified as settlers reportedly set fire to military property. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “acts of violence targeting security forces and military facilities cannot be tolerated in any law-abiding society,” urging law enforcement agencies to take firm action.

Defense Minister Israel Katz held consultations with security bodies and remarked, “We will not allow any group to harm IDF soldiers or disrupt the work of the security forces.”

Cross-Spectrum Condemnation of Unrest

Several prominent political figures addressed the situation. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz described the event as “Jewish terrorism,” asserting that strong institutional response was necessary. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stressed that “violence against security personnel crosses a red line,” while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized that “criminals should be held accountable, and their actions do not represent the broader settler community.”

Coalition Whip Ofir Katz also condemned the incident, noting that “such acts damage the image of the settler population, the majority of whom are law-abiding citizens.”

Concerns Over Institutional Authority and Governance

Some officials linked the recent violence to broader governance challenges. MK Gadi Eisenkot criticized the delegation of authority over civil and police matters to political figures, warning of “long-term consequences to institutional stability.” Avigdor Liberman called the incident “a blow to state values and the legitimacy of national institutions.”

Yair Golan argued that current tensions reflect deeper structural issues, describing the attackers as “a radical group operating under perceived political legitimacy.”

Local Settler Leaders Disavow Attack

Samaria Regional Council leader Yossi Dagan distanced the broader settler population from the incident, labeling the perpetrators as “a violent minority not representative of the local community.” He reaffirmed support for the IDF and condemned any actions that undermine state security.

Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter also voiced concern, stating that “extremist behavior from any side must be addressed firmly to ensure public safety.”