Police Detain Dozens of Activists During Olive Harvest Near Gush Etzion Settlement

Dozens of Israeli and foreign activists arrived at the agricultural site with harvesting equipment. Because the area requires prior military coordination before the season begins to ensure security and public order, security forces detained the participants and took them to a police station. The landowner was instructed on the requirement to coordinate future harvests and was provided with the necessary contact information.

Among those detained was a foreign national who is a candidate for the U.S. Congress. This individual was subsequently released by authorities. The police, the IDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior are investigating the incident to prevent future friction, public disorder, and potential international damage.

The IDF emphasized that approved harvests are proceeding in the region under security supervision. Approximately 100 coordinated harvests have taken place across Judea and Samaria this season without incident, yielding tens of thousands of tons of olives.