Hilltop Youth: A group intent on taking over the West Bank by violence

Key Points:

• The Hilltop Youth, a settler group of mostly young Israeli settlers, has been spreading violence and fear in Palestinian communities across the occupied West Bank since its origins in 1998, following Ariel Sharon's call to take over hilltops to preempt peace negotiations.
• Initially considered fringe, the group has grown in size and influence, receiving increasing government support through retroactive legalization of outposts, favorable legislation, military protection, and financial subsidies amounting to nearly $40 million.
• Since the current Israeli government took office in December 2022, settler attacks have surged to record levels, with over 1,330 attacks reported in the first half of 2026, involving vandalism, arson, and physical assaults against Palestinians.
• Prominent political figures, including ministers and Knesset members with ties to the Hilltop Youth, actively support and fund the group, further embedding it within mainstream Israeli politics and policy.
• Despite sanctions from Western governments, the Hilltop Youth continue to operate openly, promoting their activities on social media and receiving impunity from Israeli authorities, signaling their growing power and influence ahead of upcoming elections.