The latest IDF-backed settler raid in the West Bank village of Deir Jarir has left two Palestinians dead and one wounded, highlighting the escalating violence in the occupied territory. Even by the brutal standards of militant settler violence, Sunday night's attack was extreme, with Israeli soldiers and police protecting settlers as they stole livestock.
Details of the Deadly Raid
According to Palestinian residents, settlers from a nearby outpost arrived after 9pm claiming to search for stolen livestock. Israeli soldiers and police soon joined, guarding the settlers as they attempted to seize sheep by force. When villagers gathered to protest, soldiers shot two men, sparking a night of three successive raids that lasted until after 2am.
Victims and Community Impact
Odeh Farajna, 53, a village council member and flower shop owner, was shot through the chest. His relative Saber Ajaj stated, "The moment I put him in the car I knew that he was dead. This shooting was meant to kill." The second victim, Abdul Adel Rashid Abu Mukh, 26, was also killed in the attack. The father of the younger victim, Adel Rashid, reported that settlers stole 21 of his sheep, while 50 more were taken from another villager.
Comparison of Settler Violence Incidents
| Incident | Date | Casualties | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deir Jarir Raid | Late Sunday Night | 2 killed, 1 wounded | 71 sheep stolen |
| Previous Month Attack | Ongoing | Multiple injuries | Livestock theft reported |
Key Takeaways
- IDF forces actively protected settlers during the raid, showing coordination between the military and extremist groups.
- The violence is part of a broader pattern of escalating settler aggression in the West Bank under the Netanyahu government.
- Palestinian communities face regular attacks, with livestock theft and shootings becoming more frequent.
- Video evidence shows an IDF soldier guarding a settler as he leads a sheep out of a local house.
Broader Context of Settler Violence
These raids are part of a worsening trend as Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right allies accelerate land grabs in the occupied West Bank. International observers have condemned the violence, calling for accountability. The partnership between settlers and the IDF, as described by victims' families, raises serious questions about the rule of law in the region.
FAQ
What happened in the Deir Jarir raid?
On Sunday night, settlers backed by IDF soldiers raided the village of Deir Jarir, killing two Palestinians and wounding one. The settlers stole livestock while soldiers provided protection.
Who were the victims?
The victims were Odeh Farajna, 53, a village council member, and Abdul Adel Rashid Abu Mukh, 26. Both were shot by Israeli soldiers during the raid.
Is settler violence increasing in the West Bank?
Yes, settler violence has escalated significantly under the current Israeli government, with more frequent raids, livestock theft, and deadly attacks on Palestinian communities.