In a rare public rebuke, the outgoing chief of Israel's military command in the West Bank has criticized settler leaders for failing to curb violence against Palestinians, saying some Israelis have adopted the "ways of the enemy."
Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox made these remarks on Monday during a ceremony transferring control of the Central Command to Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth. The event, held at the unit's headquarters in Jerusalem, was also attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.
Fox, retiring after a 36-year military career, acknowledged that while most Israeli settlers are "moral, law-abiding citizens," recent months have seen a surge in what he termed "nationalist crime." He expressed disappointment that local settler and religious leadership "did not see the threat as we did" and failed to openly oppose such actions. "This is not Judaism in my eyes," Fox said. "This is not the way of the Torah. It is adopting the ways of the enemy."
Fox also stressed the importance of maintaining a "functioning and strong Palestinian Authority," warning that undermining it could endanger Israel's security. This statement appears to challenge positions held by some settler leaders in the Knesset, particularly Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have sought to weaken the PA.
The incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Bluth, pledged "zero tolerance" for violence of any kind. As an observant Jew and former head of the West Bank division, Bluth's appointment is seen as potentially favorable by some settler groups.
However, even as the leadership change occurs, the region remains tense. Since October 7, Israeli forces have arrested over 4,200 Palestinians in the West Bank, with more than 560 Palestinians killed according to the Palestinian Authority health ministry. The IDF maintains that most were armed militants or attackers. During the same period, 22 Israelis have been killed in attacks in Israel and the West Bank.
In response to Fox's comments, a senior figure in the leadership of Judea and Samaria has strongly criticized Fox following his retirement ceremony from Central Command. The unnamed official accused Fox of causing "very severe damage" to relations with the Israeli settler population during his tenure.
"Fox behaved today like a bull in a china shop," the official stated, alleging that the general had difficulty understanding the complexities of the settlement landscape. The source claimed Fox seemed more focused on confronting "delinquent youth" than combating terrorism, failing to distinguish between fringe elements and mainstream settlers.
The Judea and Samaria leader accused Fox of exacerbating tensions by refusing to heed advice from settlement leadership and mishandling both Arab terrorism and relations with the Jewish population, "Other regional commanders were wise enough to control the area properly. Fox lost control over Arab terrorism and lost direction with the Jewish population," the official asserted, suggesting that Fox's remarks were an attempt to deflect blame for his perceived failures.
The official claimed that local leadership has been working to rebuild trust between settlers and the army in the wake of Fox's departure.
The IDF has not yet responded to these allegations.
* The Times of Israel and Israel National News contributed to this report.