IDF to Bar Arabs from Olive Groves on State Land in West Bank

Ahead of the upcoming olive harvest season in the West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Central Command have decided to change policy and prohibit Arab harvesters from entering olive groves and plots located on state-owned land. Security officials are preparing to enforce these new guidelines and prevent access to areas not recognized as privately owned.

This marks a significant shift, as previously, harvest coordination agreements did not differentiate between private and state lands. The new directive means IDF forces will likely set up checkpoints to block harvesters from areas designated as state land. This decision comes as agricultural assessments predict an exceptionally abundant olive harvest this year.

Security officials anticipate increased attempts to access disputed plots or state lands due to the expected large yield and the economic value of olive oil. For years, the West Bank olive harvest has involved security coordination between the IDF, the Civil Administration, and Palestinian officials. While coordination with the Palestinian Authority regarding harvest seasons, including olives, typically occurs before the agricultural seasons begin, the IDF now aims to clearly distinguish between harvesting on private plots and entering state lands.

Settlement sources claim that in recent years, the harvest season has been exploited to establish a presence in Area C, near settlements and main roads, leading to security friction. A senior settlement official praised the decision, stating it signifies the IDF is finally asserting sovereignty over state lands, which he described as being previously neglected and exploited for hostile takeover. He added that this is an important first step towards restoring security and order.

Security forces are also preparing for potential protests or disturbances from activists and organizations challenging the new directives. The clear instruction to forces will be to permit harvesting on recognized private plots while denying entry to state-owned lands and trees.