Israel’s Herzog slams ‘anarchist mob’ for West Bank settler violence

Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a sharp rebuke against Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, describing their escalating attacks on Palestinians as a “horrific wave of violence” perpetrated by an “anarchist mob.”

‘We must not tolerate this brutality’

Speaking at an event in Jerusalem, Herzog said: “A process of brutality is creeping forward within a fringe element of our society. Unfortunately, there are those who celebrate this and take pride in it.” He added: “We are witnessing a terrible wave of violence carried out by an anarchist mob. These actions violate every moral and ethical norm. We must not tolerate this brutality.” Herzog noted that he had received reports from Israeli army commanders in the occupied territory who said they spend entire days dealing with “anarchist criminals.” He also stressed that violence against Christians and detainees of any faith is prohibited.

Ben-Gvir fires back

Israeli media interpreted Herzog’s remarks as a direct criticism of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was filmed taunting detained activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla with their hands bound in Ashdod Port. Ben-Gvir responded swiftly, saying: “A president who calls hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens ‘brutal’ is not worthy of this office.” Türkiye has consistently condemned settler violence and Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank, calling for international accountability and protection for Palestinian civilians.