The Israeli authorities employ an undeclared policy of leniency and compromise toward Israeli civilians who harm Palestinians. The authorities show little interest in uncovering the substantial violence that Israeli civilians commit against Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, and discriminate between Israelis and Palestinians in enforcing the law.

Israeli security forces made few attempts to prevent settler violence or arrest offenders. Many acts of violence were not investigated, and in other cases, the investigations were prolonged and resulted in no action being taken against anyone. In cases where settlers were tried and convicted, they were generally given extremely light sentences. This policy is in total contrast to the rigid policy of law enforcement and punishment where Palestinians harm Israelis. Towns and villages in the area of the incident are routinely placed under curfew, which has at times lasted for many days, and intensive searches and arrests are made. In many cases, Israel demolished or sealed the suspect's home. Palestinians who are tried and convicted for offenses against Israelis are given maximum punishment.

Examination of the human rights organization Yesh Din revealed that some 90 percent of the files opened by the police in 2005 regarding settlers who injured Palestinians or damaged Palestinian property, in which the investigation was completed (or not carried out because the police lost the complaint), were closed without an indictment being filed.