Former Israeli Security Chiefs Demand Terror Designation for Hilltop Youth
Former senior Israeli security officials have formally demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu designate the Hilltop Youth movement as a terrorist organization, citing escalating violence and a lack of enforcement.
A group of former senior Israeli security officials has formally urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to designate the "Hilltop Youth" movement as a terrorist organization under the Counter-Terrorism Law.
In a letter sent by the "Commanders for Israel's Security" movement, the signatories demanded that authorities utilize existing statutory powers to classify the group and its affiliates in various outposts as terrorist operatives. The appeal calls on the IDF, Israel Police, and the Shin Bet to halt escalating violence targeting Palestinian civilians, Israeli and foreign activists, and foreign diplomatic missions.
The letter was addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Shin Bet Director David Zini, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, and Police Commissioner Danny Levi.
"Refraining from immediately designating the 'Hilltop Youth' as a terrorist organization constitutes a dereliction of duty and places direct responsibility on you for the consequences of their terrorist activities against the civilian population, their lives, and property, as well as the severe international repercussions for the State of Israel," the signatories stated.
The former officials highlighted a sharp escalation in violence in recent years, including physical assaults, property arson, attacks on livelihoods, and the vandalism of mosques. They asserted that official inaction and political backing enable these actions, severely damaging national security, the economy, and Israel's standing abroad. The letter also demands an immediate halt to government funding and the seizure of assets used by these outposts.
"Political backing from key government ministers, turning a blind eye, and at times encouragement from the prime minister and defense minister form the foundation and fuel for these terrorist acts," the letter charged. The former commanders emphasized that security forces possess the full authority and capability to eradicate the violence.
