Settlers Attack European Diplomats During Olive Harvest in West Bank
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Seven masked settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and present European diplomats near Ramallah on Saturday. The diplomats claim a vehicle window was smashed, and Israeli activists reported threats and a lack of army response. The IDF is investigating the incident. This event occurs amid controversy over a religious ruling permitting harm to Palestinian olive harvesters and reports of insufficient security measures.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Seven masked settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and European diplomats near Ramallah.
- Diplomats claim settlers smashed a vehicle window, and activists reported threats and no army response.
- The IDF confirmed the incident is known and under investigation.
- The attack follows a controversial religious ruling permitting harm to Palestinian olive harvesters.
- Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was also attacked by masked assailants during a separate olive harvest.
- Security officials cite factors escalating tensions and hindering security forces' actions.
Palestinian reports indicate that seven masked settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters near Ramallah on Saturday, during which diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland were present. The diplomats claim the settlers smashed a window of the Belgian Consulate's vehicle. Two Israeli activists who were at the scene stated that the settlers blocked them, surrounded their vehicle, demanded identification, and threatened them, adding that the army was updated but did not arrive.
The IDF confirmed the incident is known and under investigation. Separately, IDF and Border Police forces were deployed earlier on Saturday following a report of an Israeli civilian being injured near the village of Beit Lid in the Samaria region, after friction between Israelis and Palestinians. The injured Israeli was evacuated for medical treatment.
This incident follows a controversial ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior, a senior figure in the Religious Zionist movement, which permits harming Palestinians harvesting olives. Lior's ruling stated that Palestinians do not own the land and that harvesting olives in the Land of Israel is permissible and even meritorious. The IDF views this ruling as serious and recommended an investigation into incitement, while police are examining if it constitutes instigation. Shin Bet officials acknowledge that security forces lack sufficient tools to handle such events, with suggestions to reinstate administrative detentions being rejected by the Defense Minister. A directive from the Prime Minister to establish a dedicated police force for Judea and Samaria has also not been implemented.
Politicians within the government are accused of enabling the situation by turning a blind eye, joining some settler leaders in allowing these events. Security officials point to factors actively escalating tensions and hindering security forces' actions. The previous day, Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was attacked by masked Jewish assailants during a Palestinian olive harvest near Abu Falah, sustaining injuries and having her equipment damaged. She described being kicked and beaten, noting that dozens of masked individuals were present and throwing stones.
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