Masked Settlers Attack European Diplomats During Olive Harvest Visit in Taybeh

Masked Israeli settlers attacked a group of European diplomats on Saturday in the occupied West Bank village of Taybeh, east of Ramallah. The diplomats from Belgium, France, and Poland, along with Catholic representatives, had come to support Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. Belgium’s consul general was among those targeted. A window of a Belgian consulate vehicle was smashed and French mayor Bernard Baudoux of Aulnoye-Aymeries was thrown to the ground.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned the assault and said Israeli authorities, as the occupying power, must protect Palestinians, ensure the safety of diplomats, and bring those responsible to justice. He linked the incident to settlement policy and said Belgium would continue pushing for further EU sanctions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the attack, called the perpetrators rioters, and noted that coordination with the military might have improved security. The IDF said it strongly condemns the violence and that no soldiers were present at the time. Police opened an investigation.

The assault occurred a day after settlers beat Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine while she covered the olive harvest near Abu Falah. Levine suffered broken vertebrae, a broken rib, and other injuries. Palestinian health officials report at least four people killed and more than 100 injured in settler-related incidents since the harvest began earlier in the month. Taybeh is a predominantly Christian Palestinian village that has faced repeated settler activity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said there was a lack of compelling evidence and cautioned against premature conclusions, referring to the event as alleged. Video circulating online showed masked figures confronting the group and damaging a vehicle. The incidents have drawn statements from several European governments and added to existing friction over West Bank violence. Israeli police are examining footage and gathering statements. No arrests had been announced by late Saturday.