Former El Al CEO Arrested Amid West Bank Olive Harvest Clashes

A security and public uproar has erupted across the West Bank following a series of unusual confrontations during the olive harvest season, culminating in the arrest of Yoel Feldshu, former Director General of El Al and the Civil Aviation Authority. Feldshu was detained by police during a clash near the Michtam L'David farm, close to the Palestinian village of Duma.

The incidents, described as severe by local residents who allege planned provocations, have fueled anger. In the event leading to Feldshu's arrest, a group of activists reportedly arrived with media present. A tense confrontation ensued, with residents claiming activists attacked a Jewish youth, kicking and beating him and stealing his mobile phone, which was later found among the activists' belongings. Police arrived and arrested two activists, including Feldshu, though it remains unclear if Feldshu was directly involved in the physical assault.

Reports indicate that Feldshu, along with approximately 15 retired officers including former Major General Eyal Ben Reuven and military historian Professor Uri Bar-Yosef, were assisting local Palestinians with their olive harvest. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred after the harvest concluded, when a young settler allegedly attacked one of the women in the group carrying olives. Onlookers intervened, and police later arrested two activists, including Feldshu.

These clashes are not isolated. In the Shilo Valley, activists and journalists were documented accompanying individual harvesters and attempting to provoke friction. In Kiryat Arba, residents of the Orot Netanel neighborhood protested an IDF-approved olive harvest just 30 meters from their homes, citing a severe blow to their sense of security. Similarly, in Neve Daniel, residents blocked access for harvesters entering the settlement, confronting the Civil Administration officer about the security risks to their children. The planned harvest within Neve Daniel was subsequently canceled due to the residents' protest.

These turbulent events in the West Bank raise concerns about further escalation during the ongoing olive harvest. The alleged attempts at media provocations, coupled with military approvals for harvests in sensitive areas near homes, have created a volatile situation. Residents are demanding clear answers from security officials, while the police investigation into Feldshu and others involved continues.