Hardline Israeli rabbi ruling on stolen Palestinian olives prompts uproar
Summary
Israeli Rabbi Dov Lior issued a religious ruling allowing settlers to take olives from Palestinian orchards in the West Bank, claiming Jewish ownership of the land. This ruling comes amid increased violence during the olive harvest, including attacks on Palestinian farmers and journalists. Some other rabbis strongly opposed Lior’s ruling, calling it theft and morally wrong.Key Facts
- Rabbi Dov Lior said settlers can pick olives from Palestinian land they cannot access, viewing it as a way to claim ownership.
- Lior described stealing olives as a “virtue” and encouraged settlers to “conquer the land” based on Jewish religious beliefs.
- The West Bank has seen a wave of violent attacks by Israeli settlers and military against Palestinians during olive harvest season.
- At least 19 people were injured in 34 attacks on Palestinian farmers on the same day as the ruling.
- An American photojournalist was assaulted while covering the violence, and several vehicles were set on fire.
- Other Jewish religious leaders condemned Lior’s ruling, calling it theft and saying only the state can take property legally.
- Some analysts say this disagreement among rabbis might be political, as the government tries to present settlers as generally peaceful.
- Rabbi Lior is influential among hardline settler groups and opposes any land compromise with Palestinians.
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