Masked settlers assaulted a European diplomatic delegation touring the occupied West Bank on Saturday, Belgium’s foreign minister said, marking the second consecutive day of high‑profile attacks on Palestinians and others during the olive harvest.
Since the olive harvest began earlier this month, at least four people have been killed and over 100 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities. Activists contend that Israeli authorities are doing little to curb attacks carried out with weapons ranging from slingshots to firearms. A separate incident on Friday left a Washington Post photographer and several others seriously wounded.
The assault on Saturday occurred in the village of Taybeh, where settlers targeted Belgium’s consul general, along with French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said.
“A French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle damaged. Our team is safe,” Prevot said. He attributed the attack to Israel’s “illegal settlement policy” and announced plans to push for additional EU sanctions.
Prevot added that Israeli authorities, as the “occupying power,” must protect Palestinians. “Impunity for violent settlers must end,” he declared.
The incidents occurred less than two weeks ahead of a tightly contested election that could bring an end to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure. His government, described as the most nationalist and far‑right in Israel’s history, is under heightened domestic scrutiny for security lapses and international pressure over its handling of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
Israel’s military labeled the Saturday assault on the diplomats a “severe act of violence,” noting that the delegation’s visit had not been coordinated with the army and that no soldiers were present at the location.
Israeli police confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
“The Israel police condemn violence of any kind and will work to complete these investigations until everyone who took part in these cases is brought to justice,” the police statement read.
“I strongly condemn the severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters,” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on X, adding that his ministry is in contact with the ambassadors of the affected nations.
On Saturday, Prevot condemned “in the strongest terms” the attack by Israeli settlers on the European diplomatic convoy.
“Impunity for violent settlers must end,” he posted on X.
“This violence cannot be separated from Israel’s illegal settlement policy.
“Belgium condemns settlement expansion and attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land.”
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