Israeli Police Arrest Eight in West Bank Crackdown After Diplomat Attack

Israeli security forces launched an operation dubbed "Olive Branch" on Monday, arresting eight suspects in the West Bank following violent incidents over the weekend. The crackdown was prompted by the assault on foreign diplomats and a photographer in the Benjamin region. Police reported that several vehicles used by those involved were confiscated. Alongside the arrests, enforcement actions are underway to remove illegal construction, address violations of military orders, and address the invasion of a Palestinian home.

This operation follows a decision by the security establishment to increase removals from outposts identified as sources of significant violence against Palestinians. Two days prior, seven armed Jewish individuals attacked Palestinian olive harvesters near the West Bank village of Taybeh, close to Ramallah. Foreign diplomats, including the French consul in Jerusalem, as well as Belgian and Polish representatives, were present during the attack. The assailants also damaged a Belgian consulate vehicle.

Left-wing activists at the scene claimed they called the military, but no forces arrived. The IDF stated that the consulate's patrol was not coordinated with them, emphasizing the importance of such coordination to prevent incidents. An initial investigation indicated no forces were present at the location during the attack. Regarding the activists' claim of an unanswered call, the IDF explained that the report was sent to a brigade operations room designated for security personnel, not civilians, and that civilian complaints are handled by different channels.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over the settler violence in the West Bank. The Belgian Foreign Minister strongly condemned the attack, noting that Palestinians face such violence daily and that perpetrators target journalists and diplomats. He stressed that olive harvesting, reporting, or diplomatic duties should not endanger anyone. The photographer's family expressed distress, fearing the attack could end her career.