Netanyahu's Office Blames Uncoordinated Diplomatic Visit for Benjamin Incident
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that European diplomats attacked in the Benjamin region entered the area without prior coordination with the IDF. The office suggested that published footage does not show the full event and warned of a campaign to damage Israel's image. The incident involved diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland during an olive harvest, with reports of a smashed vehicle window and confrontations. Police have opened an investigation into the events.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister's Office claims diplomats entered a sensitive area without prior IDF coordination.
- The office suggested published footage does not show the full event and warned of a campaign against Israel.
- Diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland reported being attacked near Taybeh village.
- A window of a Belgian Consulate vehicle was reportedly smashed during the incident.
- Police have launched an investigation into the confrontation.
- The IDF stated no military forces were present at the exact location during the incident.
The Prime Minister's Office responded to allegations of an attack on diplomats in the Benjamin region, stating that the available footage does not present the full picture of the events. The office emphasized that the diplomatic delegation entered the area without prior coordination with the IDF, which it deemed essential for the safety of visitors.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the delegation visited a sensitive area where confrontations have previously occurred. They asserted that the military officially confirmed the lack of coordination. The statement also noted the presence of Bernard Bodo, a mayor affiliated with the French Communist Party, who has previously been instructed by French authorities to remove a Palestinian flag he displayed at his city hall.
Regarding the published documentation, the Prime Minister's Office acknowledged images showing masked individuals confronting a diplomatic vehicle, a shattered window, and a person on the ground. However, they argued that these images alone are insufficient to determine the complete sequence of events or assign responsibility.
The Prime Minister's Office also raised concerns about a potential "coordinated campaign to tarnish the image of Israel and Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria" during the olive harvest season, suggesting that headlines are being published before all facts are established. They warned of further accusations and cautioned that premature conclusions could cause reputational damage.
The incident occurred near the village of Taybeh in Benjamin, where diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland reported being attacked during a visit to a Palestinian olive harvest. The diplomats claimed a window of a Belgian Consulate vehicle was smashed. Police have launched an investigation, and the IDF and Foreign Ministry condemned the actions, reiterating that the visit lacked prior security coordination.
Two Israeli women present at the scene reported being confronted by masked individuals who blocked their vehicle, demanded identification, and threatened them. They claimed to have attempted to contact the army in real-time without success. The IDF stated that their initial investigation found no military forces at the location during the incident and that the message was sent to a brigade operations room intended for security personnel, not civilians. They added that all circumstances would be examined.
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