IDF Soldiers Detain CNN Crew Amid Rising Settler Violence in West Bank

On March 28, 2026, a CNN crew led by Jeremy Diamond was detained and allegedly assaulted by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers while reporting on settler violence in the Palestinian village of Tayasir. The crew was covering the aftermath of an attack by settlers who had established an illegal outpost in the area. During the incident, a soldier placed CNN photojournalist Cyril Theophilos in a chokehold, damaging his camera, while the crew was held for approximately two hours.

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Footage from the incident revealed soldiers expressing a belief that the entire West Bank belongs to Jews and that they were avenging the death of 18-year-old settler Yehuda Sherman, who was killed in a suspected ramming attack days earlier. One soldier, identified as Meir, acknowledged the illegality of the outpost but claimed it would eventually be legalized, stating, “But this will be a legal settlement… slowly, slowly.” The soldiers’ comments reflected a broader settler ideology, suggesting that their actions were motivated by personal grievances and a sense of duty to protect their community.

In response to the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered the immediate suspension of operational activities for the 941st “Netzah Israel” Battalion, which was involved in the detention. The battalion, primarily composed of reservists from the ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda unit, will undergo a review aimed at reinforcing its professional and ethical foundations. The IDF stated that the soldiers' actions were “incompatible with what is expected of IDF soldiers” and pledged a thorough investigation.

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The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Foreign Press Association, which described the soldiers' actions as a direct attack on press freedom. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the suspension of the battalion, calling it a “grave mistake,” while former IDF deputy chief Yair Golan supported the disciplinary action, emphasizing that “terror is terror” and must be addressed decisively. The Israeli Journalists’ Union has also called for full prosecution of the soldiers involved.

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This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing violence from Israeli settlers in the West Bank, particularly following the escalation of tensions after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that settler violence has surged, leading to numerous Palestinian families fleeing their homes in the northern Jordan Valley. The IDF's handling of such incidents has raised concerns about the military's alignment with settler interests and the implications for Palestinian residents.

Times of Israel

The IDF has committed to a comprehensive review of the incident, with further details expected to be released. The suspension of the Netzah Israel Battalion marks a significant response to the growing scrutiny of military conduct in the West Bank, highlighting the complexities of enforcing law and order in a region marked by deep-seated conflict and competing narratives.

CNN

• “Listen, at the end of the day, if the state doesn’t address what they did — those who murdered the settler… what do you expect us to do?” — Meir, IDF Soldier

Times of Israel

• “The two hours we spent detained… laid bare the settler ideology motivating many of the soldiers who operate in the occupied West Bank – and the ways in which soldiers frequently act in service of the settler movement.” — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Correspondent

Times of Israel

• “This is state-backed terrorism.” — Ihab Hassan, Palestinian Human Rights Activist

Common Dreams

• “Completely unacceptable!” — Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor

MEAWW

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges faced by journalists reporting on the complex dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations.

The Jerusalem Post