Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has warned that settler violence in the West Bank is “fuelling hatred” against Jews around the world in his response to a letter from diaspora Jewish leaders organised by the London Initiative (TLI).
Writing to the pro-Israel, pro-democracy TLI network, Herzog thanked them as “friends” for voicing concern over “the recent surge of violence by extremist elements in [the West Bank]”.
In their letter, TLI members condemned the “terror, death, and destruction inflicted by Jewish-Israeli extremists against innocent Palestinians across the West”.
It came as figures from the Israeli NGO Yesh Din found there had been more than 250 incidents of settler violence since the start of Operation Roaring Lion against Iran, averaging at least ten per day.
The president, whose role as head of state is largely ceremonial, said he shared the signatories’ view that “these acts of violence stand in stark contradiction to the values upon which Israel was founded” and harm “the enduring ethical tradition of the Jewish people”.
“Our heritage emphasises the sanctity of human life, and grounds it in a basic biblical tenet: ‘You shall love the stranger’ – a foundational moral principle that has defined the Jewish people across generations,” Herzog wrote.
“These grave offences against innocent people undermine the rule of law and tarnish the moral foundations sacred to the State of Israel.”
He also confirmed that he had raised the issue with security officials in recent weeks.
“I have spoken with government security and law enforcement representatives and have demanded that they employ all available means to bring those responsible to justice and to put an immediate end to this unacceptable phenomenon.
“A nation governed by the rule of law cannot tolerate violence and vigilantism,” he added.
“This is not only a shameful crime against innocents, but it also interferes with the unceasing efforts of military and security agents to contend with clear and present Palestinian terror threats in the region.”
Herzog warned that such incidents have broader consequences around the world at a time of rising antisemitism.
“This kind of violence against innocents further plays directly into the hands of Israel's detractors, fuelling hatred that weakens us as a nation and jeopardises Jews everywhere,” he wrote.
Referring to the approaching festival of Passover, he said: “We are reminded that Moses' first act of leadership was a moral one – standing up for justice in the face of violence against the innocent. Safeguarding this core value is our unequal duty at this critical hour.
"We must ensure that the law is enforced with fairness, and resolve for the safety and wellbeing of all the residents of the area.”
He concluded by thanking the signatories for “the deep sense of concern and mutual responsibility” expressed in their letter, and wished them a happy Pesach.
Herzog’s response was welcomed by Peter Lerner, a former IDF spokesperson and director of international relations at the Histadrut, who said: “The President has recognised something important: Diaspora Jewry is stepping up and being heard. This is how change starts, and how it grows.”
It was also welcomed by US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who posted on X: “Great message from Israeli President Isaac Herzog abt violence in [the West Bank]. Attributed to ‘settlers’, but these criminal acts are NOT by settlers.
“They're UNSETTLERS. I know many settlers-good, decent ppl. Those who steal, vandalise, & injure others are terrorists.”
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