These Israeli settlers are trying to seize West Bank land by accusing farmers of stealing livestock

In the West Bank, Palestinian families are facing increasing violence from Israeli settlers. According to an Israeli NGO, settlers are making false claims about livestock theft in an effort to take over Palestinians’ land. © FRANCE 24 Observers

Attacks on Palestinian homes and farms in the West Bank have continued to multiply since the formation of Israel’s new ultra-nationalist government, the most right-wing in Israeli history, following elections in November 2022. Israeli settlers have been documented using a new strategy to seize land: accusing Palestinian farmers of stealing cattle. We spoke to several Israeli NGOs who have condemned the tactic. 

Videos circulating on social media document a new normal in the West Bank: armed settlers, sometimes accompanied by Israeli soldiers, breaking into Palestinians' homes to accuse their residents of stealing livestock.