Story perspectives

Settlers cut Qusra water for six-day siege

8/16/2026

Summary

Settlers Divert Water

Israeli settlers diverted water from the spring supplying Fasayil to fill a pool called “Herod’s Pool” in June 2026.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pledged 3 million shekels for the pool’s restoration, displayed on a billboard.
Palestinian farmer Saad Nemer said settlers seized his irrigation pipeline, cutting water to his fields.
Water official Adel Yassin called the diversion a “water war” and said settlers attacked at least 160 water facilities in 2026.

Summary

Israeli Army Deploys

Israeli army deployed an additional infantry battalion to Qusra after settlers besieged three families.
The siege began on Sunday, lasted six days, and cut water and electricity to the homes.
Video showed Israeli soldiers drinking and praying with the settlers instead of expelling them.
UN OCHA recorded 1,330 settler attacks in 250 communities since 20 July 2026, with 18 Palestinians killed, 880 wounded and over 2,300 displaced in 2026.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s 1967 Six-Day War (June 5-10) seized the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, prompting the Gush Emunim settlement drive that later placed hundreds of thousands of settlers in the occupied territories. The 1964 Johnston Plan water allocation, later cut by Arab diversion projects, reduced Israel’s supply by roughly 11 %, a dispute that still fuels water-related tensions today.

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Settlers Divert Water

Israeli settlers diverted water from the spring supplying Fasayil to fill a pool called “Herod’s Pool” in June 2026.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pledged 3 million shekels for the pool’s restoration, displayed on a billboard.
Palestinian farmer Saad Nemer said settlers seized his irrigation pipeline, cutting water to his fields.
Water official Adel Yassin called the diversion a “water war” and said settlers attacked at least 160 water facilities in 2026.

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