Israel arrests six after hundreds rampaged through Huwwara
Middle East EyeFeb 27, 2023
Israel Arrests Settlers After Anti-Palestinian Rampage
Image copyright: Reuters [via Middle East Eye]
The Facts
Israeli police arrested at least six suspects allegedly involved in the rampage carried out by settlers near the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Sunday, which followed a deadly attack by Palestinians on two Israeli brothers from a nearby settlement.
Al Jazeera reported that eight were initially arrested, but that the Israeli police released six of them outright while two were released on house arrest. Around 400 settlers are thought to have taken part in the rampage.
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
What happened in Nablus on Sunday night can only be described as a pogrom carried out by fanatic Jewish supremacists with the complete backing of the Israeli army and government. Though this event was so violent many Israeli figures had to vocally condemn it, settler violence is a common practice in the occupied West Bank and has been for decades. Indeed, though Israel did arrest a few of those involved, they were swiftly released. Emboldened by international silence after killing more Palestinians last year than in any other calendar year since the Second Intifada, the occupation is becoming even more violent.
Pro-Israel narrative
What the settlers did in response to the terrorist attack on Sunday was barbaric and monstrous, but one must keep in mind that such violence is a result of the Israeli government's failure in managing Palestinian terrorism. Netanyahu condemned what happened and so did many in his cabinet. Figures that showed support for the riots should be sidelined — Israel does not support such acts of violence, as it goes against the moral foundation behind the state's creation. Most Israelis want peace, and the actions of these settlers do not represent the rest of Israeli society.