There are several extremist Israeli settler groups and NGOs operating in the West Bank and Israel, some of which engage in violent or aggressive actions against Palestinians, advocate for settlement expansion, and resist government restrictions on outposts.
Below is a detailed list of the most active and notable groups:
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1. Violent Extremist Settler Groups
These groups are known for attacks on Palestinians, "price tag" attacks, and unauthorized outpost expansions.
A. Hilltop Youth (הנוער הגבעות)
- Nature: A loose, radical network of young settlers (often teens/early 20s).
- Activities:
- Establishing illegal outposts.
- Clashes with IDF over outpost demolitions.
- Arson attacks on Palestinian property, mosques, and olive groves.
- Ideology: Ultra-nationalist, religious, anti-state (reject Israeli government authority).
- Notable Incidents:
- Responsible for multiple "price tag" attacks.
- Some members linked to the 2015 Duma arson attack (killed a Palestinian family).
B. Price Tag Attackers (תג מחיר)
- Nature: Not a formal group but a tactic used by extremist settlers.
- Activities:
- Vandalism, arson, and graffiti against Palestinians (e.g., "Price Tag" spray-painted).
- Retaliation for Israeli government actions (e.g., outpost demolitions).
- Linked Groups: Often carried out by Hilltop Youth or Lehava members.
C. Lehava (להב"ה - למניעת התבוללות בארץ הקודש)
- Nature: Far-right anti-assimilation group, opposes Jewish-Arab relationships.
- Activities:
- Violent protests against mixed marriages.
- Attacks on Palestinian property in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
- Leader: Bentzi Gopstein (banned from running for Knesset due to racism).
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2. Hardline Settler NGOs & Advocacy Groups
These organizations provide legal, financial, and logistical support for settlements, often backing extremist actions.
A. Regavim (רגבים)
- Nature: Right-wing NGO monitoring Palestinian and Bedouin construction.
- Activities:
- Lobbies for demolition of Palestinian homes in Area C.
- Files lawsuits against "illegal" Palestinian buildings.
- Controversy: Accused of anti-Palestinian bias and pushing ethnic displacement.
B. Nachala (נחלה)
- Nature: Settlement movement focused on establishing new outposts.
- Activities:
- Organizes mass settler movements to seize West Bank hilltops.
- Defies Israeli government freezes on new settlements.
- Recent Actions: Led "Settlement Blitz" (2023-2024) creating multiple outposts.
C. Honenu (חוננו)
- Nature: Legal aid organization for Jews accused of anti-Palestinian violence.
- Activities:
- Provides lawyers for settlers arrested in clashes.
- Accused of defending terrorists (e.g., Amiram Ben-Uliel, Duma attacker).
D. HaShomer HaChadash (השומר החדש)
- Nature: Vigilante-style group protecting settler farms.
- Activities:
- Armed patrols in West Bank, often clashing with Palestinians.
- Accused of acting as an unofficial militia.
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3. Political & Religious Extremist Groups
These groups push for annexation and oppose Palestinian rights.
A. Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power)
- Nature: Far-right political party with settler ties.
- Leaders: Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security Minister), Bezalel Smotrich (Finance Minister).
- Policies:
- Advocates annexing the West Bank.
- Supports expanding settlements and legalizing outposts.
B. Women in Green (נשים בירוק)
- Nature: Nationalist activist group.
- Activities:
- Protests against Palestinian statehood.
- Organizes rallies for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank.
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4. Violent Settler Militias (Unofficial)
Some settlers operate in armed groups, often with tacit IDF support.
A. "The Sons of David" (בני דוד)
- Nature: Underground settler militia (alleged).
- Activities:
- Retaliatory attacks on Palestinians after terror incidents.
- Rumored to have ties to extremist rabbis.
B. "The Revolt" (המרד)
- Nature: Anti-government settler faction.
- Ideology: Rejects Israeli democracy, seeks a Halachic (Jewish law) state.
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Current Situation (2024)
- Rise in Violence: UN reports 1,200+ settler attacks in 2023 (highest on record).
- Government Ties: Smotrich & Ben-Gvir support settler movements, leading to increased funding & legal backing.
- US Sanctions: Some extremist settlers (e.g., David Chai Chasdai) banned from US for violence.
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