Israeli welfare authorities have raised alarms over increasingly younger teenagers, some as young as 13-14, abandoning school and joining illegal West Bank outposts known as ‘hilltop youth’. The minors, often from neglected backgrounds, are reportedly engaging in violence against Palestinians. Left-wing NGOs have documented the trend, noting reduced parental supervision and escalating behavioural issues among participants. Authorities acknowledge limited intervention capacity in addressing the phenomenon.

Sources: Ynet