Forty-two of the 47 members of the US Senate Democratic caucus urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act over rising settler violence and mass arrests of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The letter, sent Wednesday and seen by Reuters, also called for stronger investigations into the deaths of nine US citizens killed by settlers or Israeli security forces since 2022.

Drafted by Senators Adam Schiff, Chuck Schumer and Cory Booker, the letter said violence had increased significantly in recent weeks. It cited Israeli security operations, arrests of many Palestinians and allegations that settlers had attacked mosques. Senators asked Netanyahu to give police and the military clear instructions to prevent violence and intervene when necessary regardless of those involved.

The lawmakers also called for an end to approvals for new Jewish settlements and illegal outposts in the West Bank, and for steps to remove existing outposts. Human rights groups say Israeli forces often fail to act quickly against settler violence, while Israeli officials say authorities, including the president and prime minister, have condemned violence against Palestinians.