Israel Defense Minister to Expel Leftist Activists During West Bank Olive Harvest

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has initiated procedures to issue administrative deportation orders against leftist activists, including foreigners, who are preparing to access olive harvesting areas in the West Bank. The move followed a request from Yisrael Gantz, head of the Council of Settlements in the West Bank and the Samaria Regional Council. Gantz had appealed to Katz, on behalf of West Bank local authority heads, to prevent activists from reaching olive groves, citing concerns that some aim to organize protests and confrontations.

The request coincided with the start of the West Bank olive harvest season this week, during which activist groups are preparing to enter the region for related events. Gantz highlighted that the organization "Global Freedom Flotilla," which previously led a flotilla to Gaza and included Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, announced it was recruiting foreign activists to reach Israel and operate in West Bank olive harvesting zones. According to Gantz, other organizations such as "Go Palestine," "Protect the Harvest," "Fazza," and the "International Solidarity Movement" are also planning field activities during the olive season.

In response, Katz directed the relevant authorities to proceed with issuing administrative deportation orders against activists whose activities are deemed a threat to public order or security in the area. These measures come as the olive harvest season begins, an annual period that typically sees friction between Palestinians, activists, and solidarity supporters on one side, and settlers and Israeli security forces on the other, in various parts of the West Bank.