Extremist settlers steal 200 goats from two Palestinian villages – report

Extremist settlers reportedly stole approximately 200 goats from the Palestinian villages of Deir Ibzi and Ein Arik in the central West Bank, according to the Peace Now settlement watchdog. The incident, filmed on Sunday, shows five Jewish youths herding goats towards the illegal settlement outpost of Beit Karnayim. Peace Now stated that the extremists broke into pens while IDF soldiers were present, and Palestinians attempting to intervene were beaten and pepper-sprayed. One Palestinian was detained by the IDF and has not been released, and phones used to record the incident were reportedly seized. The COGAT Defense Ministry agency later recovered 35 goats. Peace Now criticized the IDF's alleged inaction, stating, "We must treat these terrorists like a tumor, uproot the terrorist farms and strongholds, and cut off assistance from the IDF and the security forces." The theft of Palestinian livestock by settlers has become more frequent, often occurring with IDF presence or assistance, despite the IDF admitting in the High Court of Justice that its service members are not authorized for such operations without police and court orders.