West Bank Violence Surges: Israeli Forces and Settlers Launch 2,350 Attacks in October

By John Zurcher
America News World
November 5, 2025

Tensions in the occupied West Bank hit a boiling point last month. Israeli soldiers and settlers carried out 2,350 attacks on Palestinians, according to a new report from the Palestinian Authority’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CRRC). This wave of violence comes as Israel plans to build nearly 2,000 new homes in illegal settlements, raising fears of more land grabs.

The CRRC called it an “ongoing cycle of terror.” Their monthly report, titled Occupation Violations and Colonial Expansion Measures, counted 1,584 attacks by Israeli forces. These included beatings, home demolitions, and the destruction of olive trees. The hardest-hit areas were Ramallah with  incidents, Nablus with , and Hebron with

Settlers added to the chaos with 766 attacks. Mu’ayyad Sha’ban, head of the CRRC, said these actions are part of a “organized strategy” to push Palestinians off their land and create a “racist colonial regime.” Settler violence peaked in Ramallah , Nablus , and Hebron . Many attacks targeted olive pickers during the harvest season, which started on October.

Olive trees hold deep meaning for Palestinians, symbolizing their connection to the land. But for decades, Israeli forces have uprooted them to seize territory and force people out. This month alone, settlers and soldiers destroyed, poisoned, or stole from 1,200 olive groves in Hebron, Ramallah, Tubas, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Bethlehem. In some cases, settlers worked hand-in-hand with troops, raiding farms and setting up seven new outposts in Hebron and Nablus since October.

This isn’t new, but it’s getting worse. UN data shows more than 1,000 settler attacks in the first eight months of 2025, on pace for the most violent year ever. 1 Since October 7, 2023, at least 870 Palestinians, including 177 children, have died from settler or military violence in the West Bank.  Over 20,000 Palestinians have been arrested, and thousands displaced by home demolitions and restrictions. 3

Experts blame Israel’s far-right government. Settlers, often armed and backed by soldiers, act with little fear of punishment. Human rights groups say the army is complicit, letting attacks go unchecked. 5 In one recent clash near Nablus, 36 people, including reporters, were hurt in settler and military assaults. 3 Another incident saw troops fire tear gas at olive harvesters in Turmus Aya after settlers showed up.

Adding fuel to the fire, Israel’s Higher Planning Council (HPC) is set to approve 1,985 new housing units in West Bank settlements today. The HPC, run by the Israeli military’s Civil Administration, will focus on two northern spots:  units in Avnei Hefetz and 568 in Einav. That’s 1,288 units in isolated outposts deep in Palestinian areas.

Peace Now, an Israeli group against settlements, warns this normalizes land theft. Since November 2024, the HPC has met weekly—up from every few months—to speed up building. In 2025 so far, they’ve greenlit a record 28,195 units.  Settlements are illegal under international law, as ruled by the UN and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ called for their removal in July 2024, but Israel ignores it.

This push threatens the two-state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis share the land peacefully. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked outrage in August by touting the E1 project. It would build thousands of homes linking East Jerusalem to the Maale Adumim settlement, “burying” hopes for a Palestinian state. Since Netanyahu’s government took power in 2022, plans for 48,000 units have advanced.

The U.S. under President Donald Trump opposes full annexation. Trump said plainly, “Israel’s not going to do anything with the West Bank.”  Vice President JD Vance, fresh from an Israel trip, called a recent Knesset vote on annexation a “stupid political stunt” and an “insult.” He stressed Trump’s policy: no West Bank takeover, as it could wreck the fragile Gaza ceasefire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that, warning it endangers peace efforts. Trump even threatened to cut all U.S. support if Israel pushes ahead.

But words aren’t stopping the violence. Despite U.S. pleas, attacks continue. In late October, Israel’s first airstrike in the West Bank in months killed three near Jenin.  Hundreds of Palestinian kids are detained without charges as of early November. UN experts decry the “escalation” and call for global action.

As olive season wraps, Palestinians fear more losses. Farmers in places like Silwad and Aqraba report beatings, stolen tools, and attack dogs. Over 150 assaults on harvesters this season alone, costing millions in crops. 8

The world watches as the West Bank shrinks. With 700,000 settlers already there, each new unit chips away at peace chances. Palestinians demand an end to the occupation, citing UN resolutions like Will the U.S. pressure work, or is this cycle endless?

John Zurcher covers global conflicts for America News World. Reach him at john@anwnews.com.