JERUSALEM (JTA) — Palestinian security officials said Israeli settlers set fire to at least 1,500 Palestinian-owned olive trees in the West Bank, according to Israeli reports.
Israeli media including Ha’aretz, Ynet and the Jerusalem Post, quoting Palestinian sources that the fires were purposely set Monday by settlers, speculated that the fires allegedly were set as part of a "price tag" policy in which radical settlers retaliate for outpost removals with attacks on Palestinian property.
The fires in groves near Nablus came after police on Monday morning removed illegal structures in three West Bank outposts in the area. The outposts themselves were not evacuated.
Palestinian officials also said two Palestinian motorists were injured and five cars damaged by rocks near the Yitzhar settlement.
