Settlers Allegedly Set Fire to Two West Bank Mosques

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank on Saturday night, where, according to Palestinian officials, they set fire to two mosques and left graffiti in Hebrew on buildings. The Israeli military said it is investigating the incident and searching for the perpetrators.

Abdel Azim Wadi, head of the municipal council in the village of Qusra, said the attackers set fire to a newly built mosque and left graffiti on its walls, including the words "Jewish revenge". According to Palestinian officials, an attempt to set fire to another mosque also took place near the city of Tulkarm, but worshippers extinguished the fire before it could spread.

The attacks occurred two days after clashes near the Palestinian village of Tal, in which four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently ordered a reinforcement of the military presence in the area and announced the approval of additional settlements.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also lives in the occupied West Bank. His party, Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit), is considered the successor to the extremist Kach party. His home in the city of Hebron was targeted by a drone attack overnight, though the minister and his family are safe.

(Reuters, sab)