Israeli settlers attack European diplomats during West Bank olive harvest
News Source
β’Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:48:03 +0000
π° What Happened
Israeli settlers attacked a group of European diplomats visiting Palestinian olive farmers near the village of Taybeh on Saturday. Belgium's consul general, French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives were in the group.
A French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle was damaged. Witnesses said settlers surrounded the cars, threw stones and smashed windows.
Belgium condemned the attack and promised to push for more EU sanctions. Its foreign minister linked the violence to Israel's settlement policy. Israeli police have opened an investigation.
π The Backstory
The attack came a day after settlers assaulted a US journalist north of Ramallah. Elsewhere on Saturday, six Palestinians were hurt in Ma'in village and about 20 sheep were killed in Kafr Malek.
Palestinian farmers say attacks get worse during the olive harvest, when families are out on their land. They say the army often protects the settlers instead of the farmers.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. Most countries consider Israeli settlements there illegal, though Israel disagrees. The settlements are one of the biggest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians.
π― Why It Matters
When even diplomats are attacked, it shows how bold settlers have become. It also puts more pressure on Europe to act against Israel's settlement policy.
Israeli settlers attacked a group of European diplomats visiting Palestinian olive farmers near the village of Taybeh on Saturday. Belgium's consul general, French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives were in the group.
A French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle was damaged. Witnesses said settlers surrounded the cars, threw stones and smashed windows.
Belgium condemned the attack and promised to push for more EU sanctions. Its foreign minister linked the violence to Israel's settlement policy. Israeli police have opened an investigation.
The attack came a day after settlers assaulted a US journalist north of Ramallah. Elsewhere on Saturday, six Palestinians were hurt in Ma'in village and about 20 sheep were killed in Kafr Malek.
Palestinian farmers say attacks get worse during the olive harvest, when families are out on their land. They say the army often protects the settlers instead of the farmers.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. Most countries consider Israeli settlements there illegal, though Israel disagrees. The settlements are one of the biggest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians.
When even diplomats are attacked, it shows how bold settlers have become. It also puts more pressure on Europe to act against Israel's settlement policy.