Israel Prepares to Block Foreign Activists During Olive Harvest Season

Over 80 Israeli farmers and farm owners from Judea and Samaria participated in an online conference to prepare for the upcoming olive harvest season. The meeting, organized by the Yesha Council and the Farmers' Union, included representatives from the IDF, police, and relevant government ministries. The primary focus was coordinating efforts to prevent foreign activists from entering the region and interfering with the harvest.

Participants expressed concern that these activists, often recruited from abroad, aim to create friction with farmers, seize harvest areas, and document events for anti-Israel campaigns. Farmers received updates and instructions for the season, and coordination channels with security forces and government bodies were discussed. The Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, presented a security overview.

Avi Cohen Scali, Director General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, outlined his ministry's plans to prevent the entry of activists he claims intend to incite disturbances. "The olive harvest campaign is not humanitarian aid for Palestinians, but a campaign of hatred and violence against the residents of Judea and Samaria," Cohen Scali stated. "We will not allow this reality to return and will do everything necessary, in cooperation with all forces and bodies, to prevent the entry of potential anarchists and to expel those who come to cause trouble. The party is over."

Yisrael Gantz, Head of the Benjamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council, noted that the olive harvest has become a focal point for anti-settlement organizations. He described the season as a "festival for anarchist organizations" seeking to harm farmers, settlements, and Israel's image. Gantz emphasized that the collaboration between farmers, security forces, and ministries is crucial to continue their work and counter attempts to seize harvest areas and fabricate "anti-Semitic false accusations."

Moshe Finchi, Commander of the Judea and Samaria District Police, affirmed the district's commitment to preventing foreign nationals from reaching friction points, especially during the harvest. He stated the police are working with the Population and Immigration Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to block and deport individuals who arrive under the guise of aid and human rights organizations but aim to delegitimize Israel. "The Judea and Samaria District of the Israel Police will continue to enforce law and order and prevent harm to the State of Israel and its settlements," Finchi added.