US Congressional Candidate Brad Lander Detained by Israeli Forces During West Bank Olive Harvest
Democratic candidate Brad Lander was briefly detained by Israeli forces while assisting Palestinian farmers with the annual olive harvest in the West Bank.
POLICY WIRE — West Bank — Israeli security forces detained U.S. Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander on Wednesday. The arrest occurred while Lander was participating in an effort to assist Palestinian farmers with their annual olive harvest in the occupied West Bank.
Lander, who is campaigning for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for a New York City district, was released by authorities several hours after his initial detention. While Lander was set free, dozens of other volunteers, including a group of American rabbis, remained in custody following the incident.
The Israeli military stated that the group had not received the necessary authorization for the harvest. Officials characterized the presence of the activists as a security risk and a deliberate provocation intended to disrupt the harvesting process. In contrast, Lander criticized the detention on social media, asserting that the occupation violates international law and that assisting with the harvest should not be considered a criminal act.
This year’s harvest has been marked by heightened tensions and reports of violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinian villagers. According to the advocacy group Peace Now, the Israeli military has restricted access to approximately 34 square miles of farmland, an increase of nearly 30% compared to previous requirements. Israeli police confirmed that Lander was released specifically after his status as a congressional candidate was identified.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
