45 US Senators Urge Netanyahu to Curb Rising West Bank Violence

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  August 27, 2026

A group of 45 US senators has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate measures to curb escalating violence in the West Bank and complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens killed by settlers or security forces since 2022.

The lawmakers, led by Democratic senators Adam Schiff of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey, said violence in the West Bank had intensified in recent weeks, including reported settler attacks on Palestinians and mosques, mass arrests and a large-scale response by Israeli security forces.

The senators called on Netanyahu to issue clear instructions to Israeli police and the Israel Defense Forces to prevent and intervene in harassment, threats and violence, regardless of who commits them.

They also called for a transparent process to hold those responsible for attacks against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, accountable.

"Incidents of fatal violence by settlers have reportedly already surpassed 2025 levels and continue to increase," the senators said in a letter to Netanyahu. "We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence."

The letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and includes senators from across the Democratic caucus, including Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon. Independent Senator Angus King of Maine also signed the letter.

The lawmakers said they had heard directly from families of Americans who had been killed or threatened in the West Bank and had engaged both the US Embassy in Jerusalem and Israel’s embassy in Washington over their safety.

The senators also urged Netanyahu to halt approval of additional settlements, stop construction of illegal outposts and take steps to remove them.

The lawmakers cited previous statements by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio opposing violence in the West Bank and actions aimed at annexation, saying those concerns had not been adequately addressed by the Israeli government.

"Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance," the senators wrote, calling on Israel to ensure Americans living in Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank receive security and protection of their property.

The letter said the senators hoped improved conditions would allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace without the threat of terrorism or lawless violence.

Source: FSX Business News