An Israeli military commander overseeing the occupied West Bank has stated that his forces have not carried out as many killings since 1967 as they have recently. The remark, made by Major General Avi Bluth, head of the army’s Central Command, during a closed meeting, was reported by the Israeli daily Haaretz and has triggered widespread controversy. Bluth has not denied the statement, and the Israel Defense Forces have yet to issue an official response.

According to the report, Bluth said that 42 Palestinians accused of throwing stones at vehicles were shot dead last year, describing such acts as terrorism. He acknowledged that similar actions by Jewish settlers do not face the same response, admitting there is discrimination. The report also noted that Palestinians are tried under military law, while Israeli citizens face civilian courts. Bluth further mentioned that shooting suspected border crossers below the knee is now permitted as a deterrent.

Haaretz’s editorial questioned whether the social consequences of such policies toward Palestinians have been considered. Analysts cited in the report warned that rising tensions in the West Bank could escalate into a broader conflict.