Summary
A group of European diplomats visiting the West Bank was attacked by masked Israeli settlers while assessing violence during the olive harvest season. Belgium called for Israel to hold the attackers responsible, while Israeli officials condemned the violence but also questioned some details of the incident as investigations continue.Key Facts
- The attack happened in Taybeh, a mainly Christian village near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
- Diplomats from Belgium, France, Poland, and the Catholic Church were targeted by masked settlers who threw stones.
- A car belonging to Belgium’s consulate had its window smashed, and a French mayor was physically assaulted.
- Belgium’s foreign minister said Israel must protect Palestinians, diplomats, and journalists, and end impunity for violent settlers.
- Israel’s Defense Forces condemned the violence but noted no soldiers were present during the attack and said the visit was not coordinated with them.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office called for caution in judging the incident and suggested it might be part of a wider campaign to damage Israel’s reputation.
- Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and to understand the full circumstances.
- The French mayor said settlers beat him with iron bars and kicked him, criticizing the Israeli government’s tolerance of settler violence.
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