France 24 Discovers Settlers 'Allowed to Do What They Want'
The story paints a vivid, if delayed, picture of settlers acting with impunity, stating 'They’re allowed to do what they want.' This 'surge' (as chronicled by France 24) is, in fact, the predictable outcome of over 50 years of Israeli government policy. Take for example Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, who in March 2023 openly called for the Palestinian town of Huwara to be 'wiped
out'—a call often followed by violence. His remarks and continued role in government, even as the Biden administration issues performative sanctions, reveal the core truth: settler violence isn't a bug, but a feature of the occupation. So, when the media finally highlights that settlers are 'allowed to do what they want,' one wonders if they've checked who is *allowing* it. Perhaps the same
government that funds these settlements, provides armed escorts, and prosecutes Palestinians for resisting land theft. 'Unprecedented' is a peculiar word choice for escalating violence that has historic roots in the Nakba and has been a constant feature of Israeli policy, conveniently ignored until it's too egregious to spin otherwise.