Netanyahu Orders West Bank Settler Outposts Dismantled

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank to be dismantled amid growing U.S. pressure on Israel to curb violence against Palestinians, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The directive covers outposts established without formal Israeli government approval. Such sites typically consist of prefabricated structures housing small groups of settlers. Israel has previously demolished some unauthorized outposts while retroactively legalizing others, making them eligible for government support.

It remains unclear when the latest dismantling operation will begin. Israeli website Ynet reported that roughly 100 outposts could be affected.

The move comes as Washington increases pressure on Israel over settler violence. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Saturday described violent settlers as terrorists and called for severe consequences after meeting Palestinian Americans in a West Bank town.

Separately, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled Sunday that defence authorities must facilitate the safe return of three Palestinian families to their homes in Jalud after settlers forced them to leave.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Netanyahu had ordered the removal of locations built in Areas A and B, where most Palestinians in the West Bank live. Under the Oslo Accords, the territory is divided into Areas A, B and C.

Smotrich, himself a settler and a prominent supporter of settlement expansion, said he opposed Netanyahu’s decision but highlighted the government’s progress in expanding settlements in Area C.

According to Israeli organization Peace Now, the West Bank contains approximately 340 outposts and 146 settlements formally recognized by Israel.

Most governments and United Nations bodies consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law and regard the territory as occupied. Israel disputes that interpretation, maintaining that the West Bank is disputed territory.

Settler violence has drawn increased scrutiny after Palestinians, including Palestinian Americans, reported harassment and intimidation in several West Bank villages. Israel's government has condemned such attacks, although arrests and prosecutions remain relatively uncommon.

Huckabee said taking action against settlers engaged in criminal violence was also in Israel’s own interest.