Senior Israeli official: Settler violence harming Israel, Syria security deal attempt failed

A senior Israeli diplomatic official stated on Wednesday that settler violence in the West Bank, while declining since March, continues to cause diplomatic damage to Israel. The official noted increased enforcement and arrests, adding, "The phenomenon still exists. It needs to be dealt with." The Foreign Ministry is working to demonstrate Israel's actions against those involved in violence. Separately, an attempt to reach a security agreement with Syria failed, partly due to eased sanctions on Syria and Israel's refusal to withdraw from a buffer zone. However, communication channels with Damascus remain active. Regarding Gaza, no progress has been made on Hamas disarmament, which Israel links to reconstruction. Discussions continue with the US on an international stabilization force. Israel opposes a "new UNIFIL" in Lebanon but is open to other mechanisms, such as US training for Lebanese Armed Forces units. Talks between Israel, the US, and Lebanon are expected in September. The official also described Turkey as a rival, though direct conflict is not anticipated.