The New York Times reports that Israeli settlers have become increasingly uncontrollable in the occupied West Bank. If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ousted in October's balloting, the article suggests that while full-scale peace may not break out, the worst instances of settler violence might be reined in. The report highlights how Netanyahu's coalition has emboldened extremist settlers, leading to a surge in attacks on Palestinians and military outposts.

The violence has drawn international condemnation and strained relations with the United States. The balloting in October is seen as a critical juncture, with likely successor Yair Lapid promising a more moderate approach. However, the article cautions that even with a change in leadership, the deep-rooted settler movement will not disappear overnight.

The settlers themselves, numbering over 500,000 in the West Bank, have become a powerful political force. Their actions, including land grabs and vigilante attacks, have pushed the region toward greater instability. The piece concludes that while a shift in government could temper the violence, the underlying tensions will persist, making any peace process extremely difficult.