On Saturday, October 17, masked Israeli settlers attacked a group of European diplomats and Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank.
The attackers, linked to the Israeli far right, ambushed the diplomats and locals in Taybeh, a mainly Christian Palestinian village near Ramallah. They were there to observe the annual olive harvest, which has seen increasing violence against Palestinian farmers.
Belgium’s consul general, along with diplomats from France and Poland, were among those targeted, as noted by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. He reported that the Belgian consulate’s vehicle was also vandalized.
One victim, Bernard Baudoux, a mayor from northern France, was reportedly beaten with metal bars and kicked by the masked assailants.
The diplomatic mission aimed to show support for Taybeh, which has faced significant backlash and calls for action against Jewish settlers who have repeatedly attacked Palestinians during the olive harvest.
Videos from the scene showed masked men confronting delegates and throwing stones at Palestinians.
Belgium Demands Accountability
Mr. Prevot condemned the attack, criticizing Israeli authorities for failing to protect both Palestinians and foreign diplomats. He stated that Belgium would push for EU sanctions against those responsible for the violence.
The Polish Foreign Ministry also condemned the incident, stressing that Polish representatives were unharmed. French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot urged Israel to stop the violence and protect civilians.
The attack has raised international alarm regarding the safety of foreign officials and journalists in areas with a strong Jewish settler presence.
Israeli Authorities Respond
The Israel Defense Forces IDF condemned the attack, labeling it a serious incident involving violence against both Israeli citizens and foreign delegations. An internal inquiry revealed no Israeli soldiers were present during the incident.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the attack as “reprehensible” and mentioned that the Israeli government is in discussions with relevant delegations. He noted that the IDF was not informed about the diplomatic mission beforehand, which could have led to better safety measures.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office called for restraint, stating that the released videos do not provide a complete view of the situation and are being investigated as part of a larger effort to undermine Israel’s legitimacy.
Israeli police have begun an investigation into the attack, but no arrests have been made yet.
Rising Violence Against Palestinians During Olive Harvest
This attack occurred a day after masked Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian olive harvesters in another West Bank village, injuring several and sending two, including a Washington Post photojournalist, to the hospital.
The olive harvest is vital for many Palestinians, but it has faced increasing attacks from Jewish settlers in recent years. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported at least four deaths and over 100 injuries during the 2020 olive harvest season due to violence.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has accused the Palestinian Authority of inciting violence against Jews during the harvest, while Palestinians have accused Israeli settlers of aggression.
Mr. Prevot’s strong condemnation and potential EU sanctions reflect growing international concern over West Bank settler violence. As the IDF and Israeli government investigate the attack on foreign diplomats, calls for justice and an end to violence against Palestinians continue to grow.