Violence by Israeli settlers in parts of the occupied West Bank under direct Palestinian administration has sharply increased this year, according to a new report by Israeli human rights group Yesh Din.
The report says nearly two-thirds of documented settler-violence incidents in 2026 have occurred in Areas A and B—territories designated under the 1995 Oslo accords for Palestinian governance and seen as part of the territory intended for a future Palestinian state.
The shift represents a significant change from previous years, when most attacks were concentrated in Area C, which covers about 60% of the West Bank and remains under Israeli control.
According to Yesh Din, 55% of violent incidents recorded so far this year occurred in Area B, compared with 25% in 2025. Meanwhile, Area C’s share fell from 67% to 37%.
The organization says Israeli settlers have increasingly established agricultural outposts in Areas A and B since 2024, including near major Palestinian population centres. Settler groups have publicly described the expansion as part of a broader settlement drive.
Under the Oslo framework, Area A—about 18% of the West Bank and including major Palestinian cities—was placed under Palestinian civil and security control. Area B, covering roughly 22%, was given Palestinian civil administration and public-order responsibilities, while Israel retained broader security powers.
Yesh Din argues that expanding settler activity into these areas is putting additional pressure on Palestinian communities and reducing their ability to maintain normal civilian life.
The escalation has also triggered growing international concern. The United States and European countries have imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers and pro-settlement figures, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
UN figures show the scale of the violence. By 20 July, at least 18 Palestinians had died in incidents involving settlers, while the UN recorded roughly 190 attacks per month during the first four months of 2026.
Yesh Din says the expansion of settlements and settler violence could facilitate the gradual removal of Palestinians from surrounding areas and advance efforts to establish greater Israeli control over the West Bank.
The Israeli military was approached for comment on the report.
