Israeli politicians continue silence over settlers attacking IDF
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignored extreme-right incitement for many years, including a recent attack by the Hilltop Youth group against the Israel Defense Forces.
Israeli media reported April 14 that settlers had attacked Israeli troops near the illegal West Bank Baladim outpost in the Benjamin Regional Council. Coverage of this serious incident included a brief video clip showing a few masked young people throwing rocks at a passing Israel Defense Forces (IDF) patrol. According to the report, the patrol was responding to reports in the area of a possible clash between settlers and local Palestinians. Since no one was hurt in the incident, it did not create major headlines. No government representatives condemned the attack or even expressed support for the soldiers.
Events like that, in which settlers attack IDF troops in the territories, have become a matter of routine. As long as they don't end in injury, they have no chance of registering on the public agenda of the media or government.
