US Expresses Concern Over Settler Violence in West Bank, Hindering Israel's Normalization Efforts

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed extreme concern about settler violence in the West Bank during a call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. While appreciating Israeli leaders' condemnations of recent attacks, Blinken emphasized that more action needs to be taken. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also spoke with a senior Palestinian Authority official, condemning the violence and promising to bring the perpetrators to justice. Cracks within the Israeli government were apparent during a meeting called by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticizing Gallant's conversation with the Palestinian official.