Masked Israelis Attack Palestinians During Olive Harvest in West Bank

Dozens of masked Israelis attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near the village of Sa'ir in the southern West Bank on Friday, according to social media footage and reports from the IDF. The Israeli military stated that soldiers and border police were dispatched following reports of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in an olive grove. A Palestinian vehicle was vandalized, and at least five Palestinians were reportedly injured, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. The IDF reported that security forces dispersed initial rioters and declared the area a closed military zone to restore order, while allowing the Palestinians to continue their harvest. Later, the army received new reports of dozens of masked Israelis arriving in vehicles in the same area. However, the assailants reportedly fled before soldiers arrived. While en route, soldiers spotted two suspicious vehicles and fired warning shots. The two cars then fled toward a nearby unauthorized Israeli outpost. Inspection of one of the vehicles revealed a Palestinian license plate that the IDF believes was stolen. The IDF issued a strong condemnation of the attackers, stating that such incidents divert forces from their missions, compromise stability, and hinder security operations. These acts of violence occurred during the olive harvest season, a period often marked by tensions between Palestinian and Israeli farmers in various parts of the West Bank. Israeli authorities have not specified whether any suspects were arrested following the incidents.