Israeli settler rabbi says Palestinians should leave the occupied West Bank

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Published: 2026-08-30T21:45:16.397Z • Permanent link

Israeli settler rabbi Itamar Ben-Natan has sparked outrage with his comments that Palestinians should leave the occupied West Bank, citing the need for Jewish control over the land. Ben-Natan, a prominent figure in Israeli settler society, made his remarks at a conference held by the settler organization, Amona. His statement was widely condemned by Palestinian leaders and international human rights groups, who accused him of inciting violence and perpetuating a cycle of violence. The Israeli government has thus far refused to comment on the remarks, fueling speculation about the extent to which the administration supports such rhetoric.

Ben-Natan's comments are part of a broader trend of extremist rhetoric in Israeli politics, with some politicians and activists openly advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes. The Israeli government has been accused of tacitly condoning such views, despite its official commitment to maintaining a two-state solution to the conflict. According to a report by the Israeli human rights organization, B'Tselem, over 600,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip between 1967 and 2018.

Ben-Natan's remarks have also raised concerns about the growing influence of settler groups within Israeli politics. The settler movement has long been a powerful force in Israeli society, with many settlers advocating for the annexation of the West Bank and the destruction of Palestinian communities. In recent years, however, the movement has become increasingly radicalized, with some groups calling for the expulsion of Palestinians and the destruction of their homes.

Ben-Natan's comments have significant implications for the Global Infrastructure domain, particularly in the context of international trade and investment. The occupied West Bank is home to several major technology companies, including Intel and IBM, which have invested heavily in the region's infrastructure and workforce. Any escalation of violence or instability in the West Bank could have far-reaching consequences for these companies and the global economy more broadly. Moreover, the Israeli government's refusal to comment on Ben-Natan's remarks has raised concerns about its commitment to maintaining a stable and secure environment for foreign investors.

The impact of Ben-Natan's comments on the research community is also significant. Many researchers and academics have been studying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for years, and their work has been shaped by a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the issue. However, the growing trend of extremist rhetoric in Israeli politics has created a challenging environment for researchers, who must navigate the complexities of the conflict while avoiding accusations of taking sides. The Israeli government's refusal to comment on Ben-Natan's remarks has also raised concerns about its commitment to promoting a culture of academic freedom and intellectual inquiry.

Ben-Natan's comments are part of a larger pattern of extremism and polarization in Israeli politics. In recent years, the Israeli government has been accused of tacitly condoning the use of violence and intimidation against Palestinians, particularly in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli government's response to these incidents has been widely criticized as inadequate, with many accusing the government of prioritizing the interests of Israeli settlers over those of Palestinian civilians. The growing trend of extremism in Israeli politics has also raised concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which has been stalled for years.