JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with top security officials to address escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This meeting comes amid increasing pressure from the United States to manage the situation, which could impact U.S. peace initiatives for Gaza.

The security cabinet met late Thursday, discussing a recent surge in settler violence, including incidents of stone-throwing at Palestinian vehicles in the village of Huwara. Huwara's mayor, Jihad Ouda, reported that settlers hurled rocks at passing cars, followed by a significant fire at a nearby scrapyard. Images shared on social media showed flames lighting up the night sky. The Israeli military confirmed reports of the fire and stated that police are investigating the incident.

An Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that proposals to address the violence included educational programs for violent settlers. The Prime Minister's Office did not respond to requests for details about the meeting. A follow-up meeting is expected.

Netanyahu has characterized the violent settlers as “a handful of extremists” and has urged law enforcement to take action against them. However, rights groups and Palestinian representatives argue that the issue is more widespread, with settler attacks becoming a daily occurrence. The U.N. humanitarian office reported that October marked the highest number of settler attacks since tracking began in 2006, with over 260 incidents resulting in injuries or property damage. This adds to the 2,660 attacks recorded through September this year.

The meeting occurred shortly after Israel's Civil Administration announced plans to expropriate large areas of Sebastia, a significant archaeological site in the West Bank. Peace Now, an anti-settlement organization, noted that this represents Israel's largest seizure of archaeologically important land, covering approximately 1,800 dunams (450 acres). Additionally, settlers celebrated the establishment of a new unauthorized settlement near Bethlehem.

In a related development, Singapore announced it would impose targeted financial sanctions and entry bans on four Israeli individuals linked to violence against Palestinians. The individuals named are Meir Ettinger, Elisha Yered, Ben-Zion Gopstein, and Baruch Marzel. Singapore's Foreign Ministry condemned their actions as “egregious acts of extremist violence” and called on the Israeli government to hold the perpetrators accountable. The ministry emphasized that such actions undermine the prospects for a two-state solution and deemed Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal.

Ettinger is the grandson of Rabbi Meir Kahane, a controversial figure whose ultranationalist party was banned from Israel's parliament. Yered is associated with the Hilltop Youth, a group known for occupying West Bank hilltops and has faced accusations of violence against Palestinians. Gopstein leads Lehava, an organization accused of assaults on Palestinian civilians. Some of these individuals are already under international sanctions from the European Union and other countries.

As tensions continue to rise, the Israeli government faces challenges in addressing settler violence while navigating international diplomatic pressures.