IDF Denies Mass Arrest of Activists Near Bethlehem
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
The IDF denied reports of detaining 80 activists near Bethlehem, stating actions were for security due to lack of coordination. The incident involved volunteers assisting Palestinian farmers during olive harvest. The army confirmed detaining individuals present and briefed the landowner on future coordination procedures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF denied claims by Rabbis for Human Rights about detaining 80 activists near Bethlehem.
- The IDF stated military actions were for security due to lack of prior coordination.
- The incident involved volunteers assisting Palestinian farmers with olive harvesting.
- Brad Lander, a New York congressional candidate, was reportedly detained and released.
- The army confirmed detaining individuals present and briefed the landowner on coordination.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have refuted claims made by the organization "Rabbis for Human Rights" regarding the mass detention of approximately 80 American volunteers and activists near Bethlehem. According to the human rights group, these individuals were assisting Palestinian farmers with olive harvesting in the Bethlehem area. They also alleged that a New York congressional candidate, Brad Lander, was among those detained, though he was later released with a warning.
The IDF stated that the military's actions were solely for security purposes and were a result of a lack of prior coordination. The incident occurred near the settlement of Beitar Illit. The army's press service explained that the group arrived to harvest olives without the required pre-season security coordination with authorities. Conducting such work near Israeli settlements without approval poses security risks, prompting the deployment of IDF soldiers, border police, and Judea and Samaria district police.
During the proceedings, individuals present were detained. The landowner was briefed on the proper procedure for conducting such activities and provided with the necessary communication channels for future coordination of olive harvests. The military emphasized that legal harvesting operations occur regularly, with about 100 such events already taking place this season in Judea and Samaria, yielding tens of tons of produce under security escort. The IDF added that only direct participants are permitted in coordinated harvesting zones.
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