Barriers to peace

New Barrier Construction and Escalating Settler Violence

in the Northern Jordan Valley

War Resisters League: 15 March 2026

Since the recent war with Iran, there has been a sharp increase in attacks on Palestinian communities in the Northern Jordan Valley. This trend coincides with the construction of a new barrier that will displace hundreds of people and affect approximately 65km² of land in Atouf, Tubas governorate. The pattern of settler violence, land grab, and access restrictions—along with the barrier’s route—suggests a coordinated effort to drive families from their land. All those actions combined seem to be facilitating future annexation of territory, which is prohibited under international law.

March 15, 2026 - The Israeli military has begun the construction of a section of a new barrier in the Northern Jordan Valley, a move that will directly confiscate 12km² (12,000 dunums) of land and displace Palestinian farmers east of Atouf (Tubas governorate). According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Committee (CWRC), the total area affected—including land that will be inaccessible in this section of the barrier—exceeds 65km² (65,000 dunams). This development coincides with a sharp rise in violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the region, a pattern that has intensified since the war with Iran started. International law obliges third states to oppose annexation and uphold the rule of law.

In November and December 2025, Israeli authorities issued dozens of demolition orders along the planned barrier route. In January 2026, the Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission (CWRC) submitted a petition to the Israeli High Court on behalf of nearly 200 objectors. On March 3, the prosecution submitted its response, stating that the section of the wall in Atouf must be constructed due to “urgent security measures” related to the war with Iran. These measures were based on secret evidence that was not disclosed, and it remains unclear what security needs justify a barrier at least 12km west of the Jordanian border, directly confiscating at least 12,000 dunums (12km²) of land. Construction started on March 4 for a smaller portion of the entire route, and since then, the Israeli military has restricted farmers’ access to agricultural fields by closing roads and destroying water infrastructure.

Even communities who do not have their land taken by the construction of the wall are leaving the area, either due to settler violence, or because the Israeli army/authorities are cutting the water supply.

The Northern Jordan Valley is a fertile area where hundreds of people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Since the war in Gaza and the loss of work permits in Israel, farming has become a critical source of income.

The new barrier is threatening this lifeline:

• Agricultural Disruption: Greenhouses and facilities have received demolition notices; water pipelines have been destroyed, cutting off supply to 12,000 livestock and 2,800 dunums of crops (grapes, olives, medicinal herbs)

• Displacement: Thirty families (approximately 180 people) are directly affected. Land leveling, tree uprooting, and field destruction are already underway.

The situation in the West Bank is concerning, with an increase in settler attacks since the war with Iran started. In the first 10 days of the war, at least 109 incidents of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank were reported, an average of nearly 11 attacks per day against 62 communities. The incidents included shootings, physical assaults, property damage, and threats. Five Palestinians were shot and killed by settlers during this period (source: Yesh Din, 12 March 2026, Data on Settler Violence During the War).

In the Northern Jordan Valley, there seems to be a systematic targeting of communities along the barrier’s planned route. The pattern of violence and displacement raises concerns about a broader effort to depopulate the area.