President Isaac Herzog’s comments added a powerful voice to what has been muted criticism by top Israeli officials of the settler violence.

Mr Herzog’s position, while largely ceremonial, is meant to serve as a moral compass and unifying force for the country.

Mr Herzog said the violence committed by a “handful” of perpetrators “crosses a red line”, adding in a social media post that “all state authorities must act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon and to strengthen the IDF fighters and security forces who protect us day and night”.

His remarks came after dozens of masked Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf in the West Bank on Tuesday, setting fire to vehicles and other property before clashing with Israeli soldiers.

A top Israeli command

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