Israeli authorities are currently conducting an investigation following an incident where a mosque in the northern West Bank town of Marda was set on fire and defaced with Hebrew slogans. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Footage from the scene showed burn marks and Hebrew graffiti, including symbols of a Star of David, with messages such as “revenge” and “burn the mosque, build the temple.” The Israeli police and Shin Bet security service have launched an investigation into the matter, but no arrests have been made yet.
Palestinian leaders have accused settlers of being behind the vandalism, and there are reports in Israeli media suggesting that Jewish Israelis may have been responsible for the attack.
Human rights organizations have noted a rise in settler violence since the invasion by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, which led to a multi-front war in Israel. The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on several extremist settler leaders and groups during this period. However, there are indications that Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, two far-right members of the Israeli cabinet, may not face sanctions.
In response to terror threats, Israel has conducted various operations in the West Bank, resulting in casualties and arrests among Palestinians. There have also been numerous terror attacks in the West Bank and Israel, leading to the deaths of several Israelis since the Oct. 7 incident.
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