Israeli Leaders and Critics Call for End to Settler Violence and Prison Abuse Against Palestinians

Nearly 600 former Israeli military, intelligence and diplomatic officials, organized as Commanders for Israel's Security, sent an open letter to U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt escalating settler violence in the West Bank. The letter warned that unchecked attacks on Palestinians could spark a broader regional conflict and threaten the security of Israel, the United States and the Middle East.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir verbally attacked a Palestinian female detainee in Ofer prison after she complained about food, water and basic conditions, saying, “Food should not be nice. This is not a hotel.” The incident reflects a pattern of harsh treatment of Palestinian prisoners, including reports of a controversial “crocodile‑pit” project at a Negev detention facility.