Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in the occupied West Bank amid olive harvest violence

Masked Israeli settlers attacked a delegation of European diplomats near the village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. Settlers smashed a window of a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, was assaulted and thrown to the ground.

The EU condemned the attack and called for full accountability and measures to prevent further violence against Palestinians and journalists, and also called on Israel to respect international law and stop expanding settlements in the occupied territory. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Israel to halt the violence, arrest those responsible, and protect civilians. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned the attack and said Israel had a responsibility to bring those responsible to justice. Poland’s foreign affairs ministry called for a firm response from Israeli authorities. The IDF condemned the violence. A preliminary inquiry found no IDF soldiers were present at the scene. Netanyahu’s office suggested the reports were part of a coordinated campaign to smear Israel.

A delegation targeted during the olive harvest

The diplomats were from Belgium, France, Poland, and the Catholic Church. The delegation was visiting Taybeh, a predominantly Christian village near Ramallah, to show support for Palestinian olive growers during the olive harvest. According to a single source, a group of seven men carried out the attack. Some were armed with clubs. Baudoux is 78 years old and was wearing a ceremonial sash identifying him as a French official when he was attacked. The mayor told AFP the settlers kicked him and beat him. The archbishop of Cambrai, Vincent Dollmann, was also threatened by the group. Baudoux’s wife was also threatened. A masked militant shouted ‘Vive la France!’ as he launched the attack, according to a witness. The French consul general in Jerusalem, his wife, and other diplomats were part of the group visiting Taybeh. Baudoux said the attack showed tolerance by Israel’s government for settler violence.

A photographer beaten the day before

The diplomatic incident followed a separate settler attack on Friday in the village of Abu Falah near Ramallah. Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was beaten by masked settlers for more than 10 minutes. Levine suffered broken ribs and underwent hand surgery. Her camera, phone, and passport were stolen. Levine is 63 years old and lives in Israel. She said her flak jacket and helmet saved her. Levine said the attack ended when her Palestinian colleagues intervened to save her. She is recovering in a hospital in Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv.

Condemnation from Washington and within Israel

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the attack on Levine as disturbing. Rubio warned that President Donald Trump did not want another crisis in the West Bank. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the attack on Levine a ‘despicable act of terror’ and called for arrest and prosecution. European Commission executive vice-president Teresa Ribera posted an interview with Levine in hospital with the caption ‘They want no witnesses.’

Israeli government divided in its response

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the violence, describing the perpetrators as rioters, and said police had opened an investigation. Sa’ar criticised the delegation for failing to coordinate its visit with the Israeli military, saying advance arrangements could have helped protect the visitors. Israeli police launched an investigation. Netanyahu condemned ‘violence against anyone’ but referred to the attack on Levine as ‘alleged’ and said its circumstances remain unclear. Netanyahu’s office questioned whether video circulating online provided enough evidence to establish what happened.

Surging violence during olive harvest season

The UN humanitarian office said nearly 200 settler attacks linked to this year’s olive harvest had caused casualties or property damage. On Sunday, Israeli settlers cut down 120 olive trees on Palestinian-owned land in the village of Kisan, southeast of Bethlehem, according to Wafa. Violence is surging ahead of Israeli elections to be held on 27 October. Belgium will continue to press for EU sanctions against those responsible for the violence.