West Bank Man Details Alleged Sexual Assault by Israeli Settlers

A Palestinian man from the West Bank claims Israeli settlers sexually assaulted him in front of his family during a March 13 raid on his community. Israeli authorities have arrested seven suspects in connection with the incident, which is currently under investigation.

A 29-year-old Palestinian man has come forward with disturbing allegations that Israeli settlers subjected him to sexual assault during a violent raid on his West Bank community earlier this month.

Suhaib Abu Kbash from the Bedouin community of Humsah described how approximately 80 masked settlers carrying knives and sticks stormed his area on March 13. According to Abu Kbash, roughly 20 of the attackers physically assaulted him, removed his clothing, restrained his genitals with zip ties, and forced him to walk naked in view of his young children.

“I thought they were going to kill me,” Abu Kbash stated.

Three witnesses who observed the incident have confirmed Abu Kbash’s version of events to Reuters reporters.

Israeli military and law enforcement officials confirm they are actively investigating the matter. Police authorities reported that seven individuals have been taken into custody as potential suspects, with both police officers and military personnel sent to the Humsah area.

“The forces, together with forensic investigators from the district, began conducting searches for suspects and collecting testimonies, evidence, and findings,” the statement said.

“As part of the investigation, which is currently under a court-issued gag order, seven suspects were arrested several days ago on suspicion of involvement in the incident.”

Officials have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against any of the detained suspects.

The Yesha Council, which serves as a representative body for Jewish settlements, chose not to comment on the allegations.

The community of Humsah is located in the Jordan Valley between two hills, in an area that Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem reports experiences frequent settler attacks. Yuli Novak, the group’s executive director, characterized the alleged assault on Abu Kbash as containing “horrific sexual violence” and described it as part of an increasing pattern of violent incidents.

Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding B’Tselem’s assessment.

Palestinian communities have consistently maintained that Israeli military forces prioritize protecting settlers over local residents — an accusation that military officials reject.

Abu Kbash reported that the settlers made threats to sexually assault women and children in the community unless they abandoned their homes. “We will stay here. If we leave, they will take over all this land,” he declared.

Violent incidents involving settlers have increased significantly since Israel and the United States conducted strikes on Iran in late February, with Reuters documenting that Israeli settlers have killed no fewer than five Palestinians during this timeframe.

Legal prosecution of settler violence cases remains uncommon in Israel. Israeli rights organization Yesh Din reported that by the end of 2025, among the hundreds of documented cases since Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, only 2% have resulted in formal indictments.

Abu Kbash also claims the settlers took 400 sheep during the alleged raid, which represents a critical source of income for the community. He says his efforts to file a theft complaint with Israeli police have been unsuccessful. While police confirm they are investigating the alleged assault, they have not addressed the reported livestock theft.

Palestinian leadership seeks to establish an independent nation encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem — territories that came under Israeli control during the 1967 Middle East conflict.

Israeli settlement expansion throughout the West Bank has accelerated with support from Israel’s current right-wing administration.

The majority of international governments consider Israel’s settlement construction in the West Bank to be a violation of international laws governing military occupations. Israeli officials contest this legal interpretation.