European Diplomats Targeted by Masked Settlers in West Bank Olive Harvest Violence
Masked Israeli settlers attacked European diplomats and Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Belgium demands accountability amid rising harvest violence.
POLICY WIRE — Taybeh, West Bank — A group of European diplomats and Catholic representatives were assaulted by masked Israeli settlers on Saturday during a visit to the village of Taybeh, located five kilometers northeast of Jerusalem. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the incident, noting that the delegation included Belgium’s consul general alongside French and Polish diplomatic staff.
According to Prevot, the attackers caused damage to a Belgian vehicle and assaulted a French mayor. While the minister confirmed that the diplomatic team remained safe, he sharply criticized Israel’s settlement policies and called for the European Union to implement further sanctions. He emphasized that as the occupying power, Israeli authorities hold a responsibility to protect Palestinians and must end the impunity currently enjoyed by violent settlers.
The Israeli military characterized the event as a severe act of violence, though it noted that the diplomats had not coordinated their visit with security forces, resulting in no soldiers being present at the scene. Israeli police have launched an investigation into the matter, with a spokesperson stating that the force condemns all forms of violence and intends to bring those responsible to justice.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also issued a condemnation of the rioters via social media, confirming that his ministry is in active communication with the affected nations. This confrontation occurred during the annual olive harvest, a period marked by heightened tensions and frequent settler attacks on Palestinian farmers.
Data from the United Nations indicates that 178 settler attacks related to the olive harvest were recorded in 2025. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that at least four individuals have been killed and over 100 injured since the start of this year’s harvest, which also saw settlers target at least eight villages in the northern West Bank on Friday.
The violence unfolds as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces significant political pressure, with closely contested elections scheduled in less than two weeks. His administration continues to face intense scrutiny regarding its security management and the treatment of Palestinians in the region.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
