Full Breakdown
Settlers Attack Jalud Village, Blocking Court-Ordered Return of the Tubasi Family
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Night-time Raid Halts Family’s Return
In the early hours of September 29, 2026, more than 100 Israeli settlers descended on Jalud, blocked access roads, set tyres ablaze and hurled rocks at Israeli soldiers and Border Police. While the military escorted the Tubasi family back to two homes seized weeks earlier, the settlers set the houses on fire, damaged doors, windows and interior fittings, and forced the family to retreat. Three Border Police officers sustained light injuries and a security-forces vehicle was damaged. The mission was aborted, leaving the Tubasi family displaced again.
Background & Context
The High Court of Justice ordered on September 6, 2026 that Israeli authorities arrange the return of three Palestinian petitioners and their families within 14 days. The Tubasi family had fled in July after repeated settler harassment. The court set a deadline of September 20, 2026 for a safe return and later required a response by October 8, 2026.
Since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October 2023, settler-related attacks in the West Bank have surged. OCHA recorded more than 1,330 settler attacks from January to late July 2026—about six per day, the fastest pace in two decades. By mid-September, OCHA logged 6,199 attacks causing casualties or property damage, with at least 82 Palestinians killed that year, 23 in the context of settler violence.
Data & Statistics
- Settlers involved: “more than 100” (military statement)
- Homes targeted: two Tubasi houses
- Security-force injuries: three Border Police officers lightly wounded
- Arrests: police reported two settlers arrested; later statements mentioned three detainees
- OCHA 2026 figures: 1,330 attacks Jan-July; 6,199 attacks Jan-mid-Sept; 82 Palestinian deaths (23 linked to settlers)
Official Statements & Responses
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “violent riots,” called for the “fullest extent of the law,” and pledged support for the IDF, police and injured officers.
- IDF described the settlers as “rioters” who blocked roads, set tyres on fire and threw stones, calling the incident a “nationalist crime.”
- High Court of Justice ordered the military and police to protect the family during the return and to explain why barriers remained on access roads.
- Maj-Gen Avi Bluth announced an inquiry into the night’s events, focusing on the Binyamin Regional Brigade’s sector.
Criticism & Opposition
- UN special rapporteurs warned that the rise in “settler terror” with state support threatens Palestinian communities.
On-the-Ground Reports
Wael Tubasi said doors, tiles, stairs, bathrooms, windows and electrical fittings were removed or smashed. Mahmoud al-Tubasi reported settlers arrived with burning tyres, forced the family out at gunpoint and left the houses “uninhabitable.” Video showed smoke billowing from the structures and settlers playing ball in the yard before the military used pepper spray.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest numbers differ: police said two arrests, later IDF statements referenced three detainees.
- Settler count varies: “more than 100” (Reuters, IDF) versus “more than 150” (BBC).
- Military protection is disputed: some eyewitnesses say soldiers stood by, others say the army used pepper spray to push back the crowd.
What’s Next
The state must submit a sworn response to the High Court by October 8, 2026 explaining why the family has not been returned and how barriers will be removed. An inquiry led by Maj-Gen Avi Bluth will examine security-force conduct and the rise in nationalist crimes in the Binyamin sector. Israeli police say investigations are ongoing and additional suspects may be questioned.