Defense Minister Israel Katz Directs Administrative Removal of Left‑Wing Activists Before West Bank Olive Harvest

Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed officials to issue administrative removal orders for activists whose conduct is perceived as jeopardizing public order or security in the West Bank, in response to a request from Yesha Council chairman Yisrael Ganz.

This action coincides with the start of the annual olive harvest in the West Bank this week, during which left‑wing activists are planning to travel to the region.

Ganz, who leads the Binyamin Regional Council and serves as chairman of the Yesha Council — an umbrella group representing Israeli settlements in the West Bank — appealed to Katz on behalf of local authorities.

He urged the defense minister to implement measures that would prevent activists from entering the olive‑harvesting zones, which he said were prone to provocations and confrontations.

The request was made after the Global Sumud Flotilla — known for organizing the Gaza‑bound flotilla that featured Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg — announced it was recruiting foreign activists to travel to Israel and engage in activities in the West Bank’s olive‑harvesting areas.

According to Ganz’s appeal, other groups such as Go Palestine, Protect the Harvest, Faz3a, and the International Solidarity Movement are also planning activities in the region.

In response, Katz instructed officials to move forward with issuing administrative removal orders against activists deemed to threaten public order or security in the West Bank.

Yesha Council chairman warns against ‘provocations’ during olive harvest
“Residents of Judea and Samaria are not mere props for foreign activist campaigns,” Ganz told The Jerusalem Post.
“We saw the provocations in Gaza and must not allow them to spread to Judea and Samaria.”

“We will not permit extremist activists, whether Israeli or foreign, to enter the area and incite provocations or confrontations. The olive harvest season must not be exploited to sow friction on the ground.”

“I thank Defense Minister Israel Katz for responding to the request and for taking decisive action to preserve security and public order.”

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