Nationalist crime in West Bank jumps 63% amid rising violence, security data shows – report

Data from the Israeli security establishment reveals a 63% increase in nationalist crime in the West Bank during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with 660 incidents recorded. Attacks against security forces also rose by 50%, with 45 incidents reported. The violence resulted in 140 Palestinians wounded and six killed in the first half of 2026, up from 82 wounded and no fatalities in the previous six months. The IDF has increased its deployment to 26 battalions in the West Bank in response to the escalating violence. Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander condemned the acts, stating, "There is no justification, religious or otherwise, for attacking innocent people because of their identity.”