Settler violence in the West Bank has surged, with reports indicating that at least 10 Palestinians have been killed and 385 injured since the start of 2026. Israeli settlers, primarily Jewish citizens residing in territories captured during the 1967 Six-Day War, enjoy full citizenship rights and government support, contrasting sharply with the Palestinian population, which faces military law and limited civil rights. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits transferring civilian populations into occupied territories, a stance supported by the International Court of Justice. However, Israel argues that the convention does not apply to voluntary movements. The settler population, which has grown significantly, is encouraged by the Israeli government to maintain a demographic balance against Palestinians. They reside in both recognized settlements and unofficial outposts, with approximately 503,732 settlers in the West Bank and 233,600 in East Jerusalem as of 2024. The settler movement includes various groups, such as religious nationalists who believe in a divine mandate for territorial claims, Ultra-Orthodox Jews seeking affordable housing, and secular economic settlers looking for better living conditions. A notable faction, the Hilltop Youth, comprises young Israelis establishing unauthorized outposts, often rejecting the authority of the Israeli state. Settlers are also integrated into the military, with participation rates exceeding the national average, reflecting their commitment to their ideological beliefs.