Israeli Elite Issue Final Warning Over 'Jewish Terrorism' in West Bank

A leaked letter signed by dozens of Israel's political, security, and cultural elite—including two former prime ministers, Ehud Olmert and Ehud Barak—warns the government of an 'ideology of ethnic cleansing' in the occupied West Bank. The signatories, which include former heads of all security services and a Nobel laureate, demand the immediate eradication of 'Jewish terrorism.' They argue that civilian and military perpetrators have acted with almost complete impunity, committing murders, sexual assaults, and arson against Palestinians.

The letter accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition of enabling attacks to further an extremist agenda of annexation. It asserts that the IDF has a clear policy of ignoring these crimes, with some soldiers actively participating in the violence. The signatories warn that this culture of impunity not only violates international law but also risks isolating Israel internationally and fueling global antisemitism, while potentially spurring a new Palestinian intifada.

The group has threatened to petition Israel's High Court if the government does not take immediate action to stop the violence. This internal crisis is occurring as unofficial campaigning begins for elections due by October. The situation is further complicated by a UN inquiry finding that approximately 30% of those killed in the Gaza war were children, adding further international pressure on Israel's conduct in the occupied territories.