Netanyahu Condemns Settler 'Extremists,' Then Funds Them
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is once again wringing his hands over 'violent' and 'extremist' settlers in the occupied West Bank, following torchings and clashes after an illegal outpost was dismantled. This isn't news; it's a re-run. Netanyahu has made similar 'condemnations' for political theater since his first term, conveniently following incidents like the Cave of the Patriarchs
massacre in 1994, always while his governments continued to expand settlements, provide infrastructure, and protect the very settlers he now feigns outrage over. A quick glance at Israeli budget allocations shows continuous funding for these 'extremist' outposts, including millions in taxpayer dollars funneled through various ministries. One might wonder at what point a 'handful of extremists'
becomes state policy, especially when their actions align so perfectly with the long-term goal of land annexation and displacement. How many 'slams' does it take for the international community, or the US State Department, to recognize this as strategic endorsement, not condemnation?