In a coordinated push, a majority of Senate Democrats have signed a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding action against the sharp increase in violence in the West Bank, which has been aggravated by the ongoing Gaza conflict. The letter, spearheaded by Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), highlights the role of Israeli settlers who are forcibly expanding their presence on land inhabited by Palestinians.
The lawmakers point to a troubling trend: "Incidents of fatal violence by settlers have reportedly already surpassed 2025 levels and continue to increase. The last few weeks alone saw a significant surge in violence on both sides, resulting in a large-scale response by Israeli security forces, mass arrests of Palestinians, and reported attacks by settlers on mosques."
The senators urge Netanyahu to "take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people."
Israel's Embassy to the U.S. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter comes as data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) shows a dramatic spike in settler attacks—up roughly 63% compared to previous periods. Specifically, there were 660 attacks from January to June this year, versus 405 during the same period in 2025.
This escalation has forced thousands of Palestinians from rural communities and isolated villages, driven by direct threats, property destruction, and restricted access to essential resources like water and electricity. The violence has also touched American citizens residing in the West Bank, including the deaths of Naim Abu Siyam, 19, shot by settlers in February in Mukhmas, and Sayfollah "Saif" Musallet, 20, a Florida native beaten to death last July while defending his family's farmland.
The senators emphasize the personal stakes: "We write particularly on behalf of American citizens who have been killed or threatened in such violence. Many of us have heard first-hand from their families and other constituents who have themselves been threatened without cause by settlers." They acknowledge prior engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Israel's embassy in Washington but insist that "a more significant response from your government is clearly needed. We ask for your personal and direct engagement and intervention in order to protect our constituents and their families."
Notably, Democratic Senators John Fetterman (Pa.) and Alex Padilla (Calif.) did not sign the letter. This development adds to the growing political pressure on Israel, which has also seen lawmakers demand hearings on the toll of the Iran war and question the costs of that conflict, reflecting a broader scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
