Netanyahu condemns Shomron riots, backs IDF and Border Police

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp statement this morning condemning violent riots that took place overnight in Shomron. "I strongly condemn the violent riots last night in Shomron and the attacks on security forces who arrived to maintain law and order," the Prime Minister's Office said.

Netanyahu stressed that "the handful of rioters do not represent the law-abiding settler public in Judea and Samaria, cause them enormous injustice, and interfere with our forces in carrying out their mission."

The Prime Minister added: "I back the IDF and Border Police soldiers who are working to thwart terror and maintain security, and I call on law enforcement authorities to prosecute the rioters to the fullest extent of the law."

Over 100 rioters in Jalud

The incidents took place overnight in the village of Jalud in Shomron, when more than 100 Israelis rioted in an attempt to prevent a Palestinian family from returning to their home in the village. The family had left their home several months ago following nationalist crime incidents.

As part of the effort to block the family's return, rioters set fire to the house overnight, blocked roads, burned tires, and threw stones at security forces. They also set fire to vehicles in the village and other property.

An IDF spokesperson said that "IDF and Border Police forces operated overnight in the area of Jalud village in the Shomron Brigade, to disperse Israeli rioters and protect the village's residents."

Tear gas and pepper spray seized by police (Photo: Police Spokesperson)

According to the IDF, "the riot began at the time coordinated for a Palestinian family to return to their home in the village, which they were forced to abandon after several nationalist crime incidents against them. Due to the violence, the mission to return the family to their home was not completed."

As a result of clashes with security forces, three Border Police soldiers were lightly wounded and a security forces vehicle was damaged. Two of the rioters were arrested.