Israeli settlers are guarding the West Bank. Palestinians say it's worsening violence

A member of the Israeli security forces stands guard. An attack against troops was reported near the West Bank city of Hebron on Feb. 1. Many settlers have joined the military's regional defense units since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas-backed militants. (Hazem Bader/AFP via Getty Images)

HEBRON, West Bank — It's a chilly winter day in Hebron, and Issa Amro is late.

"He said he was at the checkpoint, so maybe he was held up," says Joel Carmel, an ex-Israeli soldier and peace activist, as he stands with a small group of journalists at the gate to Amro's house.