Settlers burned mosques, threats against the IDF were on the walls. PNA: 'two teenagers killed by Israel in West Bank' - News

The Palestinian National Authority condemned the killing of two teenagers in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers.

Rising tensions in the West Bank make America worried. The escalation of Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians which, with the start of the olive harvest in October, marked the peak of violence resulting in deaths, injuries (even among foreign activists) and damage to agricultural and industrial areas, could “jeopardize” the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, where Donald Trump’s plans are already difficult to advance to the second phase.

This was acknowledged by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G7, before only one final episode occurred on the night between Wednesday and Thursday: settlers set fire to a mosque in the village of Kifl Hares, destroying part of the interior, burning copies of the Koran and leaving writings on the walls with threats against Palestine and the head of the IDF Central Command, Avi Blot: “We are not afraid of Avi Blot”, “We will take revenge again” and “Continue cursing”, read the graffiti.

The day before, Commander Blot actually condemned a raid carried out by around 50 hooded settlers in Beit Lid, near Tulkarem, which left 4 Palestinians injured. Violent groups also burned military vehicles that intervened. “They are thus undermining the settlements and the State of Israel,” he warned.

The condemnation was joined by Israel’s military chief of staff, General Eyal Zamir, who used extremely harsh words in accusing a “criminal minority” of “crossing the red line” and vowed to “act decisively until justice is served”.

However, three of four Israeli suspects arrested in connection with Tuesday’s major arson attack have been released, angering IDF officials, who criticized the police. It is true that many in Israel accuse him of turning a blind eye to the attitude of the Minister of National Security, ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir, who is one of the supporters of the annexation of the West Bank.

The army, police and Shin Bet also reportedly dismantled Hamas strongholds operating in the Bethlehem area, planning attacks on Israeli security forces and civilians. More than 50 arrests and several weapons confiscated, including M16s, were the result of the operation according to the IDF.

For more information

ANSA Agency Trump asks for pardon for Netanyahu, but Herzog holds back – News – Ansa.it ‘Follow formal procedures’. IDF: ‘We will crack down on settlers who commit violence’ (ANSA)

Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have found the bodies of other Israeli hostages in the Khan Yunis area to be handed over to Israel. Three more bodies will be returned under the ceasefire agreement.

And, with the ceasefire underway, according to Axios, Israel is targeting a new security agreement with the United States that would last 20 years, double the current $4 billion-a-year agreement.

However, the negotiations were complicated by Trump’s doctrine of America First and the Maga world’s growing frustration with Israel. One proposal to overcome this impasse is to limit direct aid to the IDF and use some funds for research and development of joint security projects. “That’s wrong”, commented Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in an interview, stating that Israel’s goal, instead, is to strengthen its defense industry and reduce its dependence on foreign aid.