Israeli settlers increase violence in West Bank using sheep herds

CBS 60 Minutes documents a new tactic by Israeli settlers – driving sheep into Palestinian villages – as violence rises in the West Bank.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:38:34 GMT

CBS 60 Minutes reported on Oct. 11, 2026 that Israeli settler violence in the West Bank is escalating, with some settlers driving sheep herds into Palestinian communities as a pressure tactic.

What happened

The program described how settlers on the hilltops of the West Bank have begun moving large flocks of sheep into Palestinian villages, effectively using the animals to intimidate residents and restrict movement. The practice is part of a broader surge in settler attacks that has included arson, assaults on security forces and shootings in recent weeks.

What the reports add

CBS 60 Minutes noted that the West Bank is home to more than 3 million Palestinians and over 500 000 Israeli settlers, and that the violence is occurring as Israel prepares for national elections in two weeks. The segment highlighted Mordehai Minster, who co‑founded a sheep farm in the area, as a representative of the new tactic. While the video segment focused on the visual evidence of sheep herds, the transcript provided additional context about the historical occupation of the territory and the political backdrop of upcoming elections.

What was said

The program quoted Mordehai Minster, who said that using sheep makes the intimidation “clear” to the Palestinian residents. No other named officials or organisations were quoted in the material.

How it came about

Settler violence has intensified since the Oct. 7, 2026 Hamas attacks in Gaza, with earlier incidents reported by Felo News, including the September 29, 2026 clash in Jalud that injured Israeli border police (Jewish settlers clash with Israeli forces over Palestinian family's West Bank home) and the Oct. 7, 2026 killing of a Palestinian man near Burqa (Palestinian man killed and 16 injured in West Bank settler assault). The new sheep‑herding tactic appears to be an extension of this broader pattern of intimidation ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections.

Key facts

Settlers are driving sheep herds into Palestinian villages as a intimidation tactic. (cbsnews.com)
The West Bank houses over 3 million Palestinians and over 500 000 Israeli settlers. (cbsnews.com)
Mordehai Minster co‑founded a sheep farm and described the tactic as making intimidation clear. (cbsnews.com)
Violence is rising as Israel prepares for national elections in two weeks. (cbsnews.com)