Settler leaders condemn Kusra violence, warn of ‘irreversible damage’ to Israel

Settler leaders, including Yesha Council chairman Yisrael Ganz and Beit El Council head Shai Alon, publicly condemned recent violence near the Palestinian village of Kusra, warning of severe damage to Israel and the settlement movement. Ganz stated, "The events in Kusra are serious and are not our way," emphasizing no justification for violence against uninvolved Palestinians or security forces. Alon described those responsible as "criminal offenders who take out their rage on an innocent population," causing "irreversible damage." He criticized the state for not adequately addressing the issue of "lost youth" and directed criticism at National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Limor Son Har-Melech for not preventing the incidents. The condemnations followed days of tension, including Israeli civilians entering Palestinian homes and land, and clashes with IDF forces after the evacuation of an outpost.