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Weekly Review – June 7–13, 2026

An Israeli week: a day of missiles from Iran, a fatal attack near Kokhav Ya'ir, a trickle of drones in the north, harassment of Palestinians in the West Bank by settlers and uniformed personnel, anti-democratic legislation in the Knesset, the Pride Parade and the opening of Book Week

It's Time to Face Reality

A Toyota pickup truck packed with black-clad, masked settlers wearing tzitzit from the hills of Samaria arrived in Huwara in the occupied West Bank on the Sabbath to carry out a violent rampage. Nine Palestinians were injured. The truck's license plate was clearly visible. No arrests were made. According to the Shin Bet, this was not considered terrorism. Also this week: a 7-month-old baby was shot dead in Hebron by soldiers who said they felt threatened. Five soldiers were killed on the Lebanese front. It is time to face reality. Weekly Review, May 31 – June 6, 2026.

Weekly Review – May 24–30, 2026

The policy of ethnic cleansing openly donned a uniform this week as government and military authorities confiscated vehicles, tractors, and water tanks from five villages located in military firing zones in the Jordan Valley. Throughout the occupied West Bank, settlers continued to harass Palestinian communities while the army and police chose to turn a blind eye. Along the Lebanese border, two male soldiers and one female soldier were killed this week in drone explosions. Communities in the Upper Galilee also remained under missile and drone attacks throughout the week. Since the beginning of the current round of fighting, 25 soldiers have been killed in the north. In addition, four civilians have also been killed.

"No One Represents Israel Better Than Ben-Gvir”

The video documenting the National Security Minister’s visit to the Port of Ashdod, where he humiliated participants in the international flotilla intercepted at sea, sparked negative reactions across Europe. Testimonies from the flotilla detainees further damaged Israel’s international standing. According to reports, Israel is not meaningfully involved in negotiations with Iran, and the emerging compromise does not appear favorable to it. Weekly Review – May 17–23, 2026

58% of Arab Citizens Support a Government with Arab Parties

A recently published survey found that the alternative to occupation is peace, and support for a two-state solution exceeds 75% among respondents. The survey results, alongside current Knesset polling trends, indicate that Bennett and Eisenkot will ultimately have to regard Arab parties as legitimate partners in replacing the government. Weekly Review – May 9–16, 2026

New: Settlers Invade Palestinian Homes and Assault Residents

These incidents are now taking place across the West Bank, despite Major General Avi Bluth — the military commander responsible for the occupied territories — defining settler violence as “Jewish terrorism.” The Central Command chief warned the prime minister of a possible violent Palestinian uprising in the West Bank, yet the army is not acting to stop the attackers. Weekly review – May 2–9, 2026

Israeli Terror in the West Bank Occupied Territories Exposed to the Public

Settler terror in Judea and Samaria, accompanied by a blind eye to it by security forces, is seeping into public consciousness. mainstream media were introduced to it following attacks on Israeli activists. Weekly Review – April 27 – May 2, 2026

There Is No Democracy Without Arabs

The declaration by Bennett–Lapid–Eisenkot that their government will consist solely of Zionist parties is neither pragmatic nor morally appropriate. The fact that Zionism was founded as a movement to realize the Jewish people’s right to self-determination should not undermine the democratic essence of the nation-state of Israel.

Weekly Review: April 19–25, 2026

Citizens of Israel, as well as residents of Iran and even our neighbors in Lebanon, experienced a relatively calm week, allowing Israel’s 78th Independence Day to be marked without military disruption, thanks to President Trump. Only in the occupied West Bank did Israeli settler terror activists not rest.

Israel’s Government Is Losing Europe

Only international pressure will bring change and redirect efforts toward achieving an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. “Partnership for Peace” organizations call on the international community, human rights organizations, and overseas media to act urgently to stop the violence and protect Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank.

Weekly Review – April 12–18, 2026

During the past week, more and more Israelis were exposed to Israeli settler terrorism in the West Bank. Tours conducted by former senior officials from the security services and the military, alongside current journalists, organized by protective presence groups, are assisting in the transfer of the information to the broader public. Suddenly, it turns out that supporters of the settlement enterprise are distancing themselves from the actions of the “minority.” However, these speakers and writers prefer to ignore the connection between Israeli settler terrorism and the project of farms and outposts supported by the army and the state—where violence is an integral part.

Weekly Review – April 4 – 11, 2026

On February 28, Israel went to war far beyond its borders, with its primary objectives being the overthrow of the Iranian regime, the elimination of the nuclear project, and the removal of the ballistic missile threat. After 40 days, on April 8, the regime in Tehran remains in place despite the decapitation of its leadership. The nuclear issue is being discussed with the Trump administration, and according to reports, the missile issue does not even appear in the core principles of the ceasefire. The war in Lebanon is also ongoing, accompanied by barrages of missiles and UAVs toward the north of Israel. It now appears that the United States is ignoring the statesman “from another level,” while Netanyahu prefers a war that allows him to continue the regime overhaul and annex the occupied West Bank.

“Al-Auja Returns to the Jews”

A settler establishment insider reveals state involvement in ethnic cleansing in the Jordan Valley. His post on X provides a rare account of the mechanism behind the displacement of the Ras Ein al-Auja community in Area C. Millions of shekels from public funds, he reports, were invested in it over four years.

Weekly Review – March 29 – April 4, 2026

The IDF decided to suspend from operational activity a reserve battalion whose soldiers attacked a CNN crew last week near Tayasir in the occupied West Bank. The IDF Spokesperson quoted Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir as saying the incident “does not align with IDF norms and values.” However, what was captured by the American network’s camera reflected routine realities across the West Bank. Cameras operated by human rights activists, including those from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye,” are filled with footage showing IDF soldiers assaulting activists and residents while serving settlers. Last week in Tayasir, however, it was CNN’s camera—leading to American pressure on Israel. On the Lebanese front, the number of IDF soldiers killed in the current war rose to 11.

Title: Opponents of the “Forever War” and the Government Return to the Squares

Protests at more than 20 locations across the country were organized on Saturday night by a coalition of dozens of civil society and human rights organizations. More than 1,000 people took part in the demonstration at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, and the police attempted to disperse them using violence. No speeches were delivered from the stage, yet the protesters persisted in their demonstration. Weekly review – March 22–28, 2026

Chief of Staff Zamir – You Are “the Responsible Authority”

The commander of the occupation army condemned this week “the rioters who do not represent the settlement movement” and called on “all authorities in the state to act against the phenomenon and uproot it before it is too late.” Under the law, his subordinate, the Commander of the Central Command—who commands IDF forces in the area—is the sovereign in the West Bank. Weekly review: March 15–21, 2026

Weekly Review – March 8–14, 2026

A father, his wife, and their two children were shot dead in their car over the weekend in the village of Tamun by an undercover Israeli unit. Another Palestinian was killed in Qusra by masked settlers at the same location where activists from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” were attacked about two weeks ago. The deaths this week add to six other Palestinian residents who were killed last week by settlers and uniformed personnel in the occupied West Bank. This unrestrained rampage by settlers and soldiers, while public attention is focused on the combined missile attacks from Iran and Lebanon on Israeli cities, benefits from the deliberate inaction of law-enforcement authorities in the occupied West Bank. The suspects in the attack on the “Looking” activists in Qusra were released by the court for lack of evidence. The suspects in the killing of a Qusra resident over the weekend were released after 24 hours. And why is there no evidence? Because evidence was not collected at the scene; because the police did not bother to gather the videos documenting what happened two weeks ago. All of this can happen because the public remains indifferent and attempts to awaken it and its leaders are failing. Until it will be too late.

Weekly Review – March 1–7, 2026

While public attention and the media are focused on events in Iran and on Israeli cities that have been hit by missiles launched from there, settlers and Central Command soldiers stationed in the occupied West Bank have been able to intensify their harassment of Palestinian communities in Areas B and C in order to drive them from their land, as part of an undeclared policy of ethnic cleansing that nonetheless enjoys the backing of the army and the government. Six Palestinian residents who went out to defend their homes and land were shot dead by settlers, some of them wearing military uniforms and serving in regional defense units. As happened with the attackers of activists from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” last week in Qusra, so too with the settlers who shot Palestinians to death this week—none of them is currently in custody. Adi Cohen, who was seriously injured in Qusra, is still hospitalized at Beilinson Hospital.

The right end to the war: solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Launching a military campaign without a political plan to end it - is doomed to failure. Netanyahu’s government has neither presented nor discussed such a plan, deliberately, because it has no intention of reaching a peace solution. It prefers ethnic cleansing and annexation of the occupied west bank. Yet not all the cards are in its hands

Weekly Review – February 22–28, 2026

The second Iran war, which began on Saturday morning with an airstrike on strategic sites and government centers in Tehran, overshadowed this week’s news and the events taking place in the occupied West Bank. The attack on three activists from Looking the Occupation in the Eye on Friday in Qusra by four violent settlers, in which two were seriously injured, received headlines in mainstream media and was even condemned by the President. However, settler terror—passively and at times actively supported by security forces—has not ceased. Nevertheless, the volunteers of Looking the Occupation in the Eye continue their protective presence in defense of the attacked communities.

Settler Terror Attack in the Nablus Area Injures Three “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” Activists

Four attackers arrived Friday at noon in a Ranger vehicle from an outpost near Qusra and beat the activists and accompanying Palestinians with clubs and iron rods. Two of the injured were airlifted by helicopter to Hospital. The IDF: “Forces are searching for those involved.” President Herzog: “Such violence endangers lives, crosses a glaring red line… This grave incident joins a number of severe and unacceptable events from recent times that primarily harm the settlement enterprise…”

The State of Israel Has Lost the Moral Right to Exist

Five years have passed since Danny Daniely began his activities in the occupied West Bank. Despite his presence and that of his friends alongside Palestinian herding communities, the state is succeeding in carrying out ethnic cleansing in Area C. The dispossession tactics are accompanied by malicious cruelty and indifference, and a denial by most of the public that Israel is committing a cruel "slow death" of the Palestinian population in the West Bank.

Self Protective Presence

Short reflection about the Power-Surrender / Anger-Sadness circles in the Occupied Territories

Weekly Review – February 8–14, 2026

“The village we had been protecting has already been destroyed, and the 120 families who lived there for the past 60 years have scattered in all directions. But the ethnic cleansing does not stop, and we are needed elsewhere. I spent the night at the home of a family that posts guards every single night in case settlers come to burn their houses down, and I spent the day at another family’s home that is suffering abuse. Their neighbors have already fled. Not far from there, on Tuesday, settlers arrived with a bulldozer to a neighborhood on the outskirts of Jericho and began dismantling 13 homes, some of which were completely destroyed. Just like that, in the middle of the day—a residential neighborhood, dozens of settlers, a bulldozer—demolishing the homes of Palestinians who have no idea where this is coming from and are afraid to resist,” wrote human rights activist Yair Oren in a Facebook post. Another day in the occupied West Bank.

The Return of “Managing the Conflict"

After the elections, if we win, the policy of “managing the conflict” will return to our lives. A government that removes Netanyahu will have neither the interest nor the political power to advance a solution. The government must indeed be replaced, and there is a chance that a Bennett-led government and his partners would be good in many respects — but that is far from enough

Weekly Summary, 1 February – 7 February 2026

Following the expulsion of the community of Ras Ein al-Auja, settlers led by Eliav Libby, one of the founders of the outpost Malachei HaShalom, began harassing a Palestinian family on the outskirts of Fasayil, claiming that the land on which the family’s home is built belongs to them. Activists from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” maintained a “protective presence” at the site throughout the week.

Weekly Summary | January 25–31, 2026

The end of this week, although marked by the departure of the last two families remaining in Ras Ein al-Auja, was encouraging thanks to a mass demonstration in which tens of thousands participated. On Saturday night, protesters marched from the Tel Aviv Museum to Habima Square. It was a powerful show of joint Arab–Jewish presence, making clear that only cooperation can enable the formation of a government committed to anchoring democratic principles, foremost among them full equality for all its citizens. One can hope that the spirit generated by the demonstration will motivate Palestinian citizens of Israel to go to the polls, while simultaneously shaking the current government and prompting law-enforcement authorities to put an end to the epidemic of murder in Arab society.

"Protective presence" ahead of the elections

To ensure the removal of the malicious and failed government, the democracy-loving public must prepare in advance. The leaders of the opposition parties must declare their willingness to include the Arab parties in the government they will form. At the same time, it is essential to ensure the integrity of Election Day, guaranteeing equal and free voting that will remove any fear among 20% of eligible voters from participating. The Israeli public – Jews and Paletinians - made its voice heard on Saturday night at Habima Square

After Ras Ein al-Auja’s Expulsion—the Struggle Must Go On

The Israeli public, including the so-called “liberal-democratic camp,” must awaken to the horrific reality in the occupied territories. Israeli media outlets, which have largely avoided covering the issue, must also fulfill their role and expose the reality of ethnic cleansing and its consequences. Conclusions in the wake of the expulsion of the residents of Ras Ein al-Auja.

Weekly Summary – 11 January–17 January 2026

Hundreds of human rights activists from a wide range of organizations took part on Friday in a solidarity demonstration with the community of Ras Ein al-‘Auja in the southern Jordan Valley. The largest remaining community in this area is at risk of expulsion due to settler terror. During the week, families who decided at the beginning of the week to leave the village because of fear caused by settler threats and attacks, dismantled their homes. The dismantling was carried out under threats and harassment by youths from nearby outposts and under the supervision of settlers who manage them. The harassment by outpost youths intensified from day to day and reached a peak on Saturday, when they, wearing masks, did not hesitate to assault human rights activists in front of cameras. As usual, the Israeli Police displayed indifference to settler violence and harassed the activists.

Two Families of Ras Ein Al-Auja Have Begun Abandoning Their Village

Residents in a village in the southern Jordan Valley have begun fleeing from their homes where they've lived for decades after settler terror that intensified in the past week without response from security forces. The ethnic cleansing under government auspices claims another target.

Weekly Summary - 28 December 2025 – 3 January 2026

The method used to remove a Palestinian community from its land as part of the Netanyahu–Smotrich government’s ethnic-cleansing enterprise was implemented this past week in Ras Ein al-Auja, where activists from Looking the Occupation in the Eye and international human-rights activists maintain a “protective presence.” The eviction operation began on Tuesday. During it, outpost youths settled near residents’ homes, staying there continuously day and night. Herds accompanied by shepherds and adult settlers—who have established illegal outposts in the area—assist the budding new outpost. They roam through the village, threaten activists and residents, and intimidate the entire community with the aim of forcing them to leave, as happened several months ago in the nearby community of Mu‘arrajat. Looking the Occupation in the Eye activists mobilized to defend the community, and by the end of the week the settlers’ plan had not succeeded. The army and police did not deviate from their usual conduct and did not protect the residents of Ras Ein al-Auja.

Ras Ein al-Auja Under Attack

A Palestinian community that has been holding out against daily harassment has been subjected, since last night (30 December 2025), to a large-scale attack by Jewish settlers accompanied by the army and police. This morning they began plowing a plot of land in the center of the village, claiming it belongs to the neighboring settlement of Yitav. Activists from Looking the Occupation in the Eye are present on site as part of a “protective presence,” and the Civil Administration halted the plowing. Dozens of settlers remain within the village.

Weekly Summary – 21 December – 27 December 2025

Week after week, new records are being set in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. At the beginning of the month, it was IDF soldiers who shot dead two Palestinian terrorists who had surrendered and emerged from hiding. Last week, it was exposed that an order was given to uniformed personnel to kill any Palestinian militant who throws stones. According to the IDF, this order was implemented in Qabatiya, where—according to the soldiers’ version—a 16-year-old boy threw a block at them and held another in his hand, and was therefore shot dead at point-blank range. According to video footage filmed by Palestinians, there is no ground for this claim. This week, the spotlight returned to the settlers: they threw stones at a Palestinian car near Hebron and injured a baby in the head. A settler serving in the regional defense forces and riding an ATV deliberately ran over a Palestinian who was praying by the roadside. He was arrested and at the same day released to five days of house arrest. Raids on residential compounds of Palestinian communities have become routine. The settlers know that the police and the army will not lift a finger against Jewish lawbreakers, and those who invaded Ras Ein al-Auja this week assaulted activists from the Protective Presence.

Peace is made with enemies

“Who would you make peace with?” I am asked as I raise the sign “Only peace will bring security” and I answer “With the Palestinians”, and immediately I’m met with “You’d give them a state in Judea and Samaria 15 km from the sea?”. The answer is yes, because peace is a painful compromise between two warring sides who recognize each other’s rights - first and foremost the right to life and security - and leave their dreams of a theocratic state, Jewish or Muslim, to their prayers

Weekly Summary – 7 December – 13 December 2025

The “Byron” storm was the most significant event in the media of the past week. On Channel 14, they celebrated the flooding that inundated the tents of Palestinian refugees living in the western half of the Gaza Strip, which is unquestionably controlled by Hamas. In the occupied West Bank, where settlers hold sway and dictate the actions of the security forces, harassment of Palestinian residents and human rights activists continues under state protection. The brazenness of the Hilltop Youth and their patrons—the heads of illegal outposts—keeps growing, as they clearly understand that no one will restrain them. The same is true in Ras Ein al-Auja.

Weekly Summary – 30 November – 6 December 2025

The occupation and its consequences are finally receiving renewed media attention in mainstream print and broadcast outlets. Yedioth Ahronoth, which consistently steers its reporting toward what it perceives as the political center (much like Yair Lapid does in the political arena), published what had previously been known only to those who follow the issue closely: that “the dramatic change taking place in the West Bank, led by Bezalel Smotrich (Treasury Minister), is also reflected significantly in the budget.” 2.7 billion Shekels (840 million Dolars) from the state budget are expected to be allocated to the West Bank—massive funding that will reshape the occupied territory. The public broadcaster KAN revealed in its investigative program Real Time a document written by former Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, linking nationalist crime in the occupied territories to the permissive and supportive attitude toward illegal farms and outposts established under the Netanyahu–Smotrich government. This policy is reflected these days in the growing settler violence, carried out openly by settlers who do not hesitate to publicly boast of their crimes.

Weekly Summary - 16-22 November 2025

On Monday, the UN Security Council approved the U.S.-sponsored draft resolution centered on deploying an international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip. Thirteen council members voted in favor; China and Russia abstained. The resolution refers to a “reliable pathway to a Palestinian state,” phrased delicately so as not to openly provoke Prime Minister Netanyahu. It is reasonable to assume that until Israel’s elections in 2026, little will progress diplomatically, even though the Palestinian Authority has declared its willingness to cooperate with the U.S. administration and with the “Peace Council” (to be chaired by Donald Trump). American, Egyptian, Jordanian, and other soldiers will serve in Gaza, stroll through Tel Aviv, and who knows—perhaps the UN will decide to step into the shoes of the Israeli government and deploy the international force in the occupied West Bank to put an end to the steadily escalating Jewish terrorism.

Only International Pressure Will Halt the De-Facto Annexation of the West Bank

Trump’s forceful statement against the annexation of the West Bank, together with the recent Security Council resolution that calls for a credible framework for establishing a Palestinian state, is an important and meaningful development — but it would be a mistake to exaggerate its significance. While Trump is occupied with matters concerning Saudi Arabia, the European states must step out of their passive “position.” They must apply effective pressure on the Israeli government to eradicate Jewish terrorism and to completely cease all acts of ethnic cleansing.

Settler Terror Runs Rampant, The Anti-Coup Camp Keeps Its Eyes Shut

The attacks by “hilltop youth” on Palestinian communities in the West Bank intensified during the olive harvest season and are oriented from within the governments desk. The opposition and civil society groups choose to remain silent. Popular media only came to their senses when the terrorists attacked soldiers. Only when it will become clear that the occupation is responsible for the judicial coup and for October 7th war the country’s necessary change for the state’s future will occur.

Weekly Summary – November 2–8, 2025

The apparent end of the war in Gaza did not halt the surge of settler violence in the occupied West Bank. At the same time, the ceasefire did not restrain the Israeli army’s brutal assaults on residents living under its control. In these days, toward the end of the olive harvest season—which was especially violent this year—the intensity of attacks on Palestinian harvesters and accompanying human rights activists increased. On Saturday, activists from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” were attacked in the village of Burin in an incident that left 11 people injured. For a change, these assaults received coverage in the mainstream media. Toward the end of the week, settlers began erecting a fence Fasayil in the southern Jordan Valley, aiming to disconnect two communities from the Palestinian area and force their residents to abandon their homes. As usual, the army did not intervene to stop this move, which violates international law.

Weekly Summary – October 26 – November 1, 2025

YNET, Walla!, N12, and Maariv provided extensive coverage of the peace camp rally held in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, marking 30 years since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. They presented readers with a detailed overview of the speakers’ remarks—with one exception: Nasreen Haddad Haj-Yahya, Vice President of the New Israel Fund. Israel Hayom merely mentioned her name, while Haaretz published a single paragraph quoting her: “Anyone who truly wishes to build a better future must reach out for Jewish-Arab partnership—openly, not behind closed doors. Partnership is built together, because democracy is for everyone, or it simply isn’t democracy.” Haj-Yahya reminded the tens of thousands that attended the rally who prefer to forget that the occupation is still here. Opposition party leaders Lapid, Golan, and Eisenkot also chose to ignore the elephant in the room. Meanwhile, in the occupied territories, the familiar chronicle of harassment during the olive harvest continued. The army cooperated with settlers and abused Palestinians and activists who came to assist them. Soldiers issued closed military zone orders, detained activists on false grounds, and left Palestinian harvesters exposed to settler violence—none of whom were arrested or even questioned.

Weekly Report– October 19 – October 25, 2025

Over forty attacks against Palestinians who went out to harvest olives in their vineyards have been documented since the beginning of the season, and these are just the cases reported about the exploits of the settlers. The video that showed a settler hitting a woman in the head with a club made headlines. It is not surprising that the attacker was not arrested. When soldiers present at the scene of the incident “stand by,” as they are described in the media, the practical meaning is that those wearing uniforms are there to protect the Jewish rioters from the Palestinians who are being attacked and beaten. In doing so, the army is acting contrary to its legal and moral duty to protect the population under its control. This is not a journalistic invention; human rights activists taking part in the harvest see what is happening when they are there. This is no coincidence either – the Prime Minister allows the settlers to run amok in order to keep the terrorists on behalf of ethnic cleansing in his coalition.

Weekly Summary – October 12–18, 2025

It was a turbulent week. Hostages returned to the embrace of their loved ones, other families buried their sons and daughter, and some families are still waiting for the return of their fallen. Two things have not changed with the end of the War of Deception: the" poison machine" and the distortion of facts under the auspices of the accused Netanyahu continue to operate at full force, and the settlers’ factional violence, backed by the army and police, is accelerating the campaign of ethnic cleansing. Activists from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” continue their protective presence in Ras Ein al-Auja; on Thursdays, they talk with passersby at Habima Square in Tel Aviv; on Fridays, they stand with signs at the Za’atara (Tapuah) junction in the occupied territories; and on Saturdays, they take part in the olive harvest across the West Bank

Today. This is the Day After

The return of the hostages should mark the beginning of a renewed mobilization of the pro-democracy public. This time, the struggle must also express the aspiration to end the conflict with the Palestinians according to the Trump plan. The sight of tens of thousands of Israelis taking to the streets in support of the peace process will prompt the U.S. President to ensure that his plan does not remain a dead letter

The Green September of the Palestinians

With a wave of recognitions of a Palestinian state by countries friendly to Israel, it’s becoming clear that the only credible way to end the Gaza war is a two-state solution. Now that Israel has re-established regional deterrence, it must set aside the urge for vengeance. The public should stand up to the hardline front of Hamas, Netanyahu, and the messianic right, because there is a partner to talk to.

In 2023 Talma Admon Cried Out Across the Sea: Help!

The writer and journalist Talma Admon, a longtime activist with “looking the Occupation in The Eye”, has passed away following a battle with cancer.

Recognizing Palestine—A Misguided Approach

While international recognition of Palestine is positive, sustained pressure on Israel to end its West Bank occupation remains essential. These policies undermine a two-state solution and harm Palestinian lives. Supporting Israel now means criticizing its government's actions.

IDF’s Forces in the West Bank Are A Militia Serving the Settlers

Settler violence in the occupied territories is intensifying and is part of a strategic plan by the State of Israel. Their actions are aimed at creating ethnic cleansing that will prevent a political solution requiring the division of the land. “Tippping of the Scales,” a 2017 position piece published by Bezalel Smotrich is becoming a reality. International pressure is nonexistent, the media ignores it, even the courts have given up, the opposition is silent and some even support it. For Israelis, there seems to be no effective response to IDF actions in Gaza other than loud protest. Ma`arajat, however, is only an hour's drive from Tel Aviv

An Open Letter to Justice Alex Stein

In response to a petition to the High Court of Justice requesting that the security forces be instructed to act immediately to prevent the expulsion of the Ma’arajat community by settlers and hilltop youth, Justice Stein wrote: “A provisional remedy that merely reiterates this general duty adds nothing and is unnecessary". Apparently, the army and police were unaware of their legal duty. A few hours later, it became clear that an urgent provisional remedy was no longer needed — the community had already been expelled from their homes in the presence of the security forces. The cleansing was complete.

Urgent Appeal to the Chief of Staff: Risk of Ethnic Cleansing of the Ras al-Ein and Ma’arajat Communities

"Looking the Occupation in the Eye” today sent a letter to the Chief of Staff and other officials responsible for what is happening in the West Bank, issuing an urgent call to act in order to stop terrorist activity by settlers from illegal outposts aimed at expelling residents of the two communities from their homes. "If you do not act to prevent the ethnic cleansing of these communities — and of other Palestinian communities in similar circumstances across Area C of the West Bank — at the very least, you and the other recipients of this letter will not be able to say you didn’t know".

Ras al-Ein – A Test for Israel

The defense of Ras al-Ein marks a critical moment for the “Just Not Bibi” segment of Israeli society. It will be a true test of whether they can halt the ethnic cleansing campaign pursued by the messianic right. Only when this group internalizes the cost they bear for the crimes of the settlers - committed with the backing of the state, army, police, and judiciary- might they finally take action. Earlier this week, activists from “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” prevented the establishment of a new settlement outpost within the Palestinian shepherd community.

To Conquer and Rule

The headline of the religious Zionist newspaper Besheva reflects the dominance of actions over which a black flag flies. This wouldn’t be happening if the public weren’t afraid, weren’t lying to themselves. That’s why things will keep getting worse. Even worse, and worse still

What Happens in the Occupied Territories Stays in the Occupied Territories

Netanyahu‘s government wouldn’t have been able to promote the justification for the war and its crimes without the help of the media. The dominance of the “rating idol” as the prime consideration dictating the contents broadcast on TV and published in the papers, preceded October 7th. The media chose to report the events in the Occupied Territories selectively – going as far as to hide information - and the public acquiesced

"Israel is Implementing Practices of Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians"

A report by "Yesh Din" and "Physicians for Human Rights" exposes the reality in the West Bank, stating that "the state is responsible for a war crime." All this is happening without objection from the "patriotic" opposition and without reflection from the leaders of the protests in Habima Square, for whom the word "occupation" is the true threat

Too Little and Possibly Too Late

Eyal Zamir came to a scene of the riot, after the settler's violent attack at Jinbah, and by that sent a message that this was a serious event, for which the soldiers and their commander who took part in are to be punished. However, even though three uniformed soldiers were sent to a week of confinement in a military prison, this is far from a proper and deterring punishment. A radical change in the army's conduct might happen only when the liberal public acknowledges the fact that what happens there in the west bank is causing what is happening here

Refuse the War

To refuse is not only to protest and shout. To refuse is also to take action. My friends and I are acting by protecting shepherd communities from the violence of settlers. Last week, on the “Ha’Bima” protest stage, the Zionist opposition parties took pride in the fact that they collaborated against the fascist legislation. Wonderful. But what about the war crimes? What about the occupation and the war waged by the settlers? These are unmentionable. Yet while our voice may be absent from the stages; we are present among the people demonstrating in the street.

A Government of Betrayal Is Not Legitimate

This is the message to which all other messages should connect. When the calls in the protest against the legitimacy of the government are actually pleas to the government, we are in enormous trouble. Bringing down the government is a necessary but not sufficient condition. The protest against the mechanisms of occupation and in favor of a political solution must continue and intensify even when a different government comes to power.

Theft of Palestinian Flocks in Judea and Samaria Is Intended to Collapse Palestinians Communities

"30% Surge in violence against Palestinians." Settlers stole sheep from Palestinians. Police arrested the owner of the flock. The settlers' method of false complaints is successful thanks to the cooperation of the security forces. The police have made it difficult for Palestinian herders who have been robbed to file a complaint. The goal: to expel the communities and take over their lands

Security Forces Stood By as Settlers Raided Ras al-Ein

Dozens of settlers stole hundreds of livestock in an organized raid based on a false claim—that a villager had stolen sheep from a herd grazing near his home. Within minutes, settlers arrived at the village accompanied by a military vehicle, assaulted the villager, broke open multiple livestock pens, led sheep and goats into the mountains, and loaded others into their vehicles. The Police: A complaint can be filed on Sunday.

Only 19 Members of the Knesset From the Opposition Voted Against

Now the government is targeting human rights organizations. A bill that passed its preliminary reading will significantly harm the activities of NGOs opposing government policies and actions in the occupied territories. Under the proposed law, an 80% tax will be imposed on donations from foreign political entities, and recipient organizations will be prevented from petitioning the courts

The Enthusiastic Response to Trump's Transfer Plan Promotes the Destruction of Democracy

Those who seek a free society must accept that there are two peoples that reside between the river and the sea, and both are entitled to self-determination regardless of the crimes of October 7. The liberal public should not be afraid of the statement "There is no democracy with occupation," but rather understand that subjugating other people or perpetrating a transfer and ethnic cleansing promote the destruction of a society founded on the principles of freedom, justice, equality, and peace.

Weekly Summary of Events | January 26th – February 2nd, 2025

The week ended with settlers setting fire to the mosque in Muarajat. During the week, an engineering vehicle was spotted on the ridge north of Ras al-Ein, paving a road leading from the settlement of Kochav Hashachar without a permit. Herds of settlers continued to penetrate the houses of Palestinian villages.

The Method – Removing Activists; The Goal – Free Reign for the Settlers

Security and police forces in the occupied West Bank harass “Looking the Occupation in the Eye” activists, detaining and removing them for no real reason. It is all done for the purpose of driving out Palestinian communities. Also, in this article, more news from Masafar Yatta

Read Ayman Odeh's Words

Overcome the Nationalistic Fixation. There are two peoples living here; either they'll get along with each other or they'll murder one another- there's no middle path. Member of Knesset Odeh writes: "I see and hurt the suffering of both peoples."

The Outgoing Chief of Staff Aligned with Bizarre Government Decisions

The tenure of Herzi Halevi as Chief of Staff was characterized by a complete lack of control over what is done in Judea and Samaria. The army, from the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division down to several brigade commanders in the area, turned into loyal militias of the settlement movement. Did the Chief of Staff know about the army’s blatant violations of the law under his command, or did he simply fail to see it?

An Uneasy Weekend in the Jericho Valley

Two youths left an illegal outpost near Ras al-Ein with their flock. They did not go out to graze but to abuse and intimidate the Palestinian residents in their village. "Looking the Occupation in the Eye" ("Mistaclim") activists separate the Palestinian herd grazing on private land from the settler invader and call the security forces. The soldiers who arrived do not know that Area C does not grant any rights to the settler shepherd

Let Them Unleash Their Holy Fury

The high opaque windows bore the reflections of the fire. The government, subjected to the whims of the settlers’ terror, knows all too well how to ignore a “legitimate” night such as this. They are allowed to go haywire tonight… better that way. That will calm down these pumped-up boys, whose desires for revenge and destruction are greater than their desire for life.

Only A Political Arrangement Will End The War And Return The Hostages

The national-liberal right of Menahem Begin has become a nationalistic-fascistic right and the political center has captured the place of the 'Patriotic' right. That's how the center plays into the hands of Netanyahu, who enjoys the lack of opposition and protest. The left must distance itself from what we today call center. It must declare its willingness to walk hand in hand with the peace, democracy and equality wishers, Jews and Arabs. That is worth at least 25 parliament seats.

It's Time to Awaken – Take to the Streets

The terror settlers inflict upon Palestinian communities, the bullying and force applied against protesters demanding the release of hostages - these are two sides of the same phenomenon. We must stop it, and there is only one way to do so

Summary of Events: December 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025 – Settlers Mark Holiday with Violent Raids on Shepherding Communities’ Homes

During the Hanukkah holiday, settlers from illegal outposts intensified their raids on the residential areas of shepherding communities in Ras al-’Ain and Ma`arajat. They did not hesitate to attack human rights activists who were there in order to assist residents by escorting their flocks and providing protective presence. Over the week, there were 12 incursions by settlers with herds of sheep and camels into the courtyards of village homes. During these raids, thefts of food and water purchased for Palestinian livestock were documented. Complaints filed with the police regarding herd invasions, assaults, and harassment of activists were not addressed.

The New Weapon of the Settlers – A Herd of Camels

The land robbers are escalating their activities aimed to expel Palestinian communities. Settlers, some of them are residents in illegal outposts, wish to complete cleansing C areas from their occupied residents. Their method is based on intimidating and terrorizing Palestinian shepherd communities. Additionally, they illegally erect structures on Palestinian lands and wage a public relations campaign full of lies. The army and police prefer to avert their gaze and disregard.

“It Is Time We Understood the Reality We Live In and Protect Ourselves and Our Beliefs”

In his acceptance speech of the Leibowitz prize for his years-long struggle against the occupation, Guy Hirschfeld called for all those who seek a democratic and egalitarian state “to think in terms of civil disobedience in the service of democracy; the time has come to put aside the values and ideals, partly because the other side laughs at us and sees it (with some merit) as weakness.”

A Soldier Receiving a Blatantly Illegal Order Is Obligated to Refuse It

All restraints have been lifted; a biblical ideology has taken over the IDF. Obliterate the memory of Amalek, eliminate the Seven Nations. There are no innocents. Everyone is an enemy.

Democracies Die Slowly but Collapse Suddenly

The “Public Protection Against Criminal Organizations Act”, passed by a majority of 32 with no opposition, is one more step in the government’s efforts to strengthen its ability to suffocate the freedom of its opponents. The arrest of Andrey Khrzhanovskiy and the harassment of the people who shot a firework in Caesarea teach us where the government is heading.

Settler's boy

He comes from the nearby illegal settlement as the older settler's messenger. The settler teaches him to be cruel - to harm: sends him on his horse to trickle between the Palestinians homes, in order to make them tire from the life at the place which the settler covets.

Weekly Summary

Cutting off drinking water pipes in Maarjat, smashing a car window, destruction and destruction in the village of Khirbet Zanuta — Summary of Settlers' Riots in the Holiday of Sukkot

A Soldier of King David

“You went into Gaza to take revenge as much as possible, against women and children, in everything you saw, that's what you wanted. And on this day, a year after Simchat Torah, when we thought we had already slaughtered the enemy, slaughtered them all, expelled them from the land, we are here at your funeral.”

You are held accountable for crimes committed by the IDF

A letter to the commander of the Bekaa Brigade sent by activists looking at the occupation in the eye clarifies that they will take legal measures to change the army's behavior in relation to settlers and the Palestinian population

The Communities are Determined to Survive, and We Are Steadfast

In the past year we have deepened the protective presence among the herding communities. Against all difficulties, including violent attacks by settlers, arrests of activists and Palestinians, sheep robbery, property damage, intimidation and lies aimed at criminalizing and arresting us. Even if the occupation cannot be stopped, it is possible to make the situation less bad.

Yes, looking!

Friday Afternoon, a Shepherd is Kidnapped

An incoming text ringtone breaks the evening gloom, 15 minutes before the Shabbat meal. I pull the cutlery from the drawer. A thick sadness fills the room and outside the trees wave in the heat storm under the pressure of the skies of the end of the world

Thus, Thou Shalt Steal

Last week, a human rights activist stopped her car on the roadside in the northern Palestinian Jordan Valley. With her cell phone camera, for many minutes she documented a criminal act that took place in plain strong sunlight. At the middle of the day, on a main highway crossing occupied territory, a group of colonists steal the cattle of Palestinian farmers.

A Story for the Eve of a Holiday

Rabbi A. hurries down the trail to the flock of black goats gathering under the jujube tree. A warm wind blows, A. hurries on bent a bit forward, his walk shaped by endless energy and devotion. Apparently, he wishes to get to his destination before he will actually be there. He rushes and calls out to the colonist, “Please, go away”. His accent is foreign and the word “please” sounds strange in the brewing incident, but A. repeats the word and adds, “This is not your water, and not your land”.

To the Leaders of the Left-Wing Parties

Anyone, who is clear-sighted and whose worldview steers clear of messianism and populism, understands that at the root of the disaster that befell us on October 7th lies in the neglect of the supremely important Palestinian arena. The absurdity of the idea that it is possible to continue ruling over another people and at the same time manage to have a safe, liberal, modern, and thriving state has never been more evident.

Palestinian Child's Day, 2024

“This is not a normal war: The war in Ukraine has killed 500 kids in two years and the war in Gaza has killed over 10,000 in less than five months. We have seen wars before, but this is something that is a dark stain on our shared humanity”

The Truth About Attacking Rafah

The amazing thing in the arguments about “Attacking Rafah, yes or no” - is the total ignoring of the fact that for weeks Israel has been attacking Rafah constantly, night and day

The German Package

We have close friends in Germany. They are both retired Lutheran priests. She officiated for many years as head of the church in a big city. He was a priest in small communities, and lectured on theology at a teachers’ seminary most of the time. They are both second-generation Nazism survivors. Their parents were not Nazi criminals, but unfortunately they lived as German citizens during the Nazi rule. His father was a soldier captured by the Russians, and spent five years in a Soviet POW camp from which he returned broken body and soul. Her father was a physician in German army camps, and was captured by the French. He was in POW camp in France, nothing nice about that either.

Activity report - January 20, 2024

Dear friends, 100 days have passed since the Black Saturday of October 7th. Like everyone else, we too are worried sick about the hostages, are grieving with the relatives of the dead, are concerned about the future of those evacuated from the Gaza envelope and the north, and worried for the welfare of the soldiers. Notwithstanding, we are also part of a small group in the Israeli public, too small, that is aware of the occurrences on the other side of the hill, and we empathize with the pain and suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. We, therefore, call for a ceasefire, return of the hostages, government exchange and the initiation of a political peace process.

Our Heroes

They don’t get bored. The soldiers who were not fortunate enough to be sent to Gaza, to kill and get killed. Or are they? Bored?

An Honor Guard in Jenin

Look at this guy marching determinedly down a street in Jenin. In proud defiance he passes by the soldiers, they no longer exist for him. Now it’s only him and his son. It’s between them. The armed soldiers, wearing all the security gear that makes them resemble robots, try to stop him, block him, and he ignores them, continuing to march straight forward. The force that moves him is right there in his arms. His dead child. Anger makes him even more erect, beating along his march towards the place where the body would be placed until buried. The body of a small dead child, considering his age – 13. Ahmad Mohammad Samer was a sick child. His parents nurtured him. There is a photo of him in a suit, including a necktie, from one of the holidays. Thin and withheld, hiding a modest joy, facing the photographer.

The Men in White Come on the Sabbath

They come in white or in startling army uniforms, but festive. With their tassels and their large Sabbath yarmulka. Yes, Sabbath. It’s their day of recreation. Not praying, not hanging out with the family, not feasting in food and drink. They devote their Jewish holy day to violent intimidation.

Soldiers from elsewhere

Let’s look at these acts from afar - say we were Swiss, peacefully observing the green meadows facing us, eating piles of chocolate and mounds of cheese

Fatma Salem of Sheikh Jarrah

Fatma Salem passed away of cardiac arrest last night. Gone was the strength of this brave woman, who fought for her home in Sheikh Jarrah against bigger and stronger forces than hers.

Support our Shepherds Accompaniment

Please Support our Shepherd Accompaniment Project of the shepherd accompaniers in the Palestinian Jordan Valley

A Home for Everyone

A short introduction: even in the past two months (the October 2023 War) alone we called the police hundreds of times in order to stop attacks by Jewish terrorists in the West Bank, and you know as well as I do that nothing came out of these calls.

The End of Humanity

This is the face of the end of humanity. The bearded face of the army-uniformed colonist who shouts “traitor!” at a man who devotes his life to save the State of Israel, and the face of the army-uniformed colonist who shoots and kills the Jewish-Israeli citizen who was protecting Israeli citizens at Jerusalem’s entrance.

Doing His Duty

Ilana Dayan: The ISA (Shin Bet) reported that the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir instructed the police to ignore Jewish terrorism in the West Bank

Activity report - November 23, 2023

Dear friends, First, we hope you and your loved ones are bearing this horrible time in the best way possible for you, and wish for the best.

In Praise of Unawareness

Sometimes I wish I could be like those whose world is clear and unequivocal. Who can see only black and white. Who know what should be done now. I wish I could say as they do: Wipe out Gaza and bring the kidnapped back. Just like that, in one breath, without noticing the contradiction…

Holding On to the Land

Two elderly Palestinian farmers live in my heart. I don’t know their names, but I do know what they feel. The first entered my heart last week after bulldozers of Smotrich’s “defense forces” took down and destroyed hundreds of olive and fig trees and vineyards in the Salfit district