Benjamin Council Equips Farmers With Body Cameras Amid Surge in Attacks

The Benjamin Regional Council has launched a new initiative to equip local farmers with body cameras in response to a significant increase in incidents near agricultural outposts during the olive harvest season. According to council data, there were approximately 48 incidents in the past week, a sharp rise from the 23 recorded the week before the harvest began. This surge, which represents a 109% increase in events including security incidents, approaches to farms, and harvest-related disturbances, has prompted the council to act.

The "Shepherds' Camera Project: The Truth in Pictures" aims to document events from start to finish, similar to cameras used by police and soldiers. The cameras were funded by a donation from American activist Luke Moon, who supports Israel. The initiative was launched at the "Ruach La'aretz" farm in Benjamin.

In addition to the general rise in incidents, attacks on shepherds have nearly quadrupled, increasing from three attacks between September 21-27 to 11 in the following week. Since the beginning of the year, over 140 assault incidents against shepherds have been documented in the Benjamin region, including stone-throwing, club attacks, and attempted vehicle ramming.

The Benjamin Regional Council attributes the rise in attacks to a campaign called "Settler Violence," which they claim emboldens Arab perpetrators and encourages attacks against Israelis. They argue that partial video clips are being circulated to falsely accuse farmers and shepherds who have been attacked.

This development follows a poisoning incident on Tuesday where approximately 50 sheep were affected and nine sheep and a sheepdog died at the Matzudat David farm. This was the 13th such poisoning incident along the Alon Road in the past year, attributed to an unidentified cell.

The collected footage is intended to be shared with media and public relations entities both domestically and internationally to provide a complete picture of events. It is also expected to aid in documenting offenses and clarifying incidents with security and law enforcement agencies. This effort complements the council's international outreach, which includes hosting delegations of leaders, public figures, journalists, and influencers to present the reality in Judea and Samaria firsthand. Head of the Benjamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council, Yisrael Gantz, stated that Israel and its settlements are under immense delegitimization and that they must actively counter this narrative by showing the truth on the ground.