Unpacking the Surge of Israeli Settler Violence and Expansion in the Occupied West Bank

Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law, yet the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has actively approved plans to expand these settlements in the occupied West Bank.

This ongoing expansion is occurring alongside unprecedented levels of anti-Palestinian pogroms perpetrated by individuals residing in illegal settlements. According to United Nations experts, the rate of so-called "settler terrorism" has steadily escalated over the past three years, reaching a critical new peak this year.

This alarming situation has ultimately provoked sharp criticism from Israel’s allies in Europe. However, critical questions remain regarding whether this international pressure will be sufficient to halt the rising tide of settler violence.

Presenter: Tom McRae
Guests: Xavier Abu Eid (Political analyst and former communications director for the Palestine Liberation Organization), Mairav Zonszein (Senior analyst at the International Crisis Group), and Pat Griffith (Spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross)