Masked Jewish Extremists Attack European Diplomats During Olive Harvest Near Ramallah

Seven masked Jewish assailants, armed with clubs, attacked Palestinian olive harvesters on Saturday in Taybeh, near Ramallah. Among those present were French diplomats, including the Consul in Jerusalem, as well as Belgian and Polish representatives. The attackers smashed a window of the Belgian consulate's vehicle. Left-wing activists at the scene reported calling the army, which did not arrive. The police have launched an investigation.

The IDF condemned the "severe incident of violence" in the Taybeh village area, stating that the matter would be investigated. The military noted that the consulate's patrol was not coordinated with the IDF, emphasizing the importance of such coordination to prevent such incidents. An initial investigation indicated that no forces were present at the location during the attack. Regarding activists' claims of the army's non-response, the IDF stated that the report was sent to a brigade operations room meant only for security personnel, not civilians, and that numerous operational reports are received daily, with responses only provided to authorized, non-civilian entities. Other call centers are designated for civilian complaints.

The Belgian Foreign Minister strongly condemned the attack in the "occupied West Bank," drawing parallels to the daily violence faced by Palestinians. He noted that attackers also target journalists and diplomats, and that olive harvesting, reporting, or diplomatic duties should not endanger anyone. He added that Israeli authorities, as the occupying power, must protect Palestinians, ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists, and bring perpetrators to justice. He called for an end to impunity for violent settlers and stated Belgium would continue to push for EU sanctions against those responsible for and supporting this violence, linking it to Israel's illegal settlement policy.

The police confirmed an investigation has been opened following circulated footage of the attack. The Foreign Ministry has been notified to locate the victims, gather testimonies, and identify suspects for prosecution. The police stated they condemn all forms of violence and will pursue investigations to bring all involved parties to justice.

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, criticized the Netanyahu-Smotrich coalition, stating it is "drowning us all in a sea of terror." He called for a firm response to "Jewish terror," similar to the fight against Palestinian terror, advocating for administrative detentions, dismantling terror hubs, evacuating illegal outposts, and prosecuting rioters, asserting that Jewish terrorists have no immunity and there are no compromises with nationalist violence.

Earlier on Saturday, Palestinian media reported another hate crime in the West Bank, accusing Jewish assailants of killing 20 young sheep during an attack on a pen in the village of Malek, northeast of Ramallah. The previous day, Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was attacked during clashes between Jewish assailants and Palestinian farmers at an olive harvest near Khirbet Abu Falah in the Benjamin region. Levine received medical treatment. IDF forces at the scene launched an investigation, and the military condemned the incident, calling violence against innocents "unbearable." The US Embassy also condemned the "criminal violence" and called for investigations, arrests, and convictions of those responsible.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that many facts are still unclear and the investigation must determine who initiated the violence.