**Israeli Ex-Generals Urge Trump to Address 'Settler Terror' in West Bank**
In a significant appeal, nearly 600 former Israeli military, diplomatic, and intelligence officials have called on U.S. President Donald Trump to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take decisive action against what they describe as “settler terror” in the occupied West Bank. This letter, published on July 28, 2026, comes as Netanyahu prepares for a meeting with Trump during his seventh visit to the White House.
The group, known as Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS), emphasizes that the escalating violence in the West Bank poses a serious threat to Israeli security, U.S. interests in the region, and overall stability. The letter warns that if this violence is not addressed swiftly, it could lead to a broader regional conflict with severe ramifications.
CIS, a movement comprising over 550 retired Israeli army colonels and generals, as well as officials from various security and diplomatic services, has a stated mission of ensuring Israel remains a strong and democratic home for the Jewish people. In their letter, they assert that only Trump has the influence necessary to avert what they describe as a looming calamity.
The letter highlights that the recent surge in violence, particularly following a deadly shootout in the town of Tal that resulted in the deaths of two Israelis and four Palestinians, has exacerbated tensions. The former officials express concern that certain members of the Israeli government are complicit in fostering this chaos by protecting settlers and shielding Israeli forces from legal accountability.
CIS argues that the increase in violent actions by Jewish settlers could lead to consequences even more severe than the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which had far-reaching implications for the region. They urge Trump to address these concerns directly with Netanyahu during their upcoming discussions.
The letter aligns with broader warnings from the Israeli defense establishment regarding the growing influence of settlers, who are described as increasingly taking the initiative and potentially endangering both Palestinian civilians and Israeli soldiers. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh noted that this situation raises alarms about the settlers' capacity to dictate actions on the ground, which could further complicate the security landscape.
As Netanyahu heads to Washington amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., the meeting with Trump is expected to focus on these pressing issues. The context of this visit underscores the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the challenges facing regional security.
The call from the former officials reflects a significant moment in Israeli politics, as it highlights a rift between current government policies and the perspectives of seasoned military and intelligence veterans. The outcomes of the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump may have important implications for future U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.