Israeli Prosecutors Charge Six Settlers in Connection with West Bank Mosque Attack

Israeli Authorities File Charges Against Settlers in West Bank Attacks

Israeli prosecutors have filed charges against six individuals following attacks on villages and a mosque by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The indictment includes acts of terrorism, arson, sabotage, and violent rioting, allegedly motivated by nationalistic reasons.

According to police reports, masked settlers coordinated an attack on Deir Dibwan village on June 14, carrying flammable substances, tear gas, and a knife. The investigation revealed that the settlers set fire to vegetation, damaged vehicles, and attacked residents’ homes, as well as throwing stones at vehicles and inhabited houses.

The attacks have been reported in multiple locations across the West Bank, including Al-Maniya village, Ramallah, and Burqa village, east of Ramallah. Israeli forces also raided Al-Ras Mosque in Hebron’s Old City, preventing worshippers from accessing the mosque and detaining a Palestinian man near Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

The charges against the six individuals include racially-motivated assault, rioting, arson, and property damage. The defendants include five minors and an 18-year-old, who are scheduled to appear in court.

Settler attacks have increased in recent months, with reports of over six incidents per day. According to the United Nations, the number of settler attacks has risen sharply since 2026. Western countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Norway, New Zealand, and the UK have imposed sanctions on networks involved in financing and enabling settler violence.

In response to the sanctions, some settlers’ leaders have expressed support for the measures, while others have dismissed them as ineffective.

Source: Al Jazeera