European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers as West Bank violence surges

Masked Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats and activists in the occupied West Bank, and a day earlier attacked Palestinian olive farmers near Ramallah, as violence around the annual harvest drew international condemnation.

The diplomatic delegation had gone to a largely Christian village near Ramallah, identified in reports as Taybeh or Taiber, to observe the olive harvest. The convoy included diplomats from Belgium, France and Poland and a representative of the Catholic Church. Masked settlers confronted the group, demanded identification and told the driver to reverse. A French mayor was knocked to the ground. A car window and lights were broken. Belgium said its consul general was among those confronted. Poland called the incident absolutely unacceptable. France demanded that Israel crack down on criminal violence.

Israel's military said it was investigating. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned what he called a severe act of violence by Israeli rioters, but said it was unfortunate the visit had not been coordinated with the military. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office questioned what it called unproven allegations and claimed there was a coordinated campaign to smear Israel.

A day earlier, around 80 masked settlers attacked Palestinian farmers near Abu Falah, north of Ramallah, setting fire to olive trees at the start of the harvest. Witnesses described a coordinated assault. Some settlers carried gas canisters and used slings to hurl rocks at villagers picking olives. At least two people were injured, including Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine. Gunfire could be heard and at least one armed settler was seen firing a gun. Israeli forces fired tear gas to end the confrontation.

Levine said she was pushed to the ground and kicked for about 10 minutes. She said her helmet and flak jacket protected her head, while her cameras and bag were broken. Palestinians came to rescue her and an ambulance took her to hospital. US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the attack on Levine a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was very disturbed by the images and had asked Israel to crack down.

The United Nations says there have already been nearly 200 settler attacks linked to this year's harvest, more than in the whole of last year's season. In the last two weeks, it says at least one person has died and more than 120 have been injured. A separate tally described 170 attacks over three weeks that killed four Palestinians and damaged thousands of olive trees. The differing figures reflect different time periods and counts.

The olive harvest is the largest agricultural sector in the Palestinian territories and a major source of income. The director of the Palestinian Farmers Union said around 140,000 families live entirely or partly on olive oil production, supporting up to 800,000 people. He said the harvest is now the last source of income for many families after the war in Gaza and the economic crisis in the West Bank. Farmers say olive trees are part of their heritage and take years to grow. Once trees are burned, the land is left empty.

The attacks took place near illegal Israeli outposts and settlements, which are illegal under international law. Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups say settlers are rarely held accountable. Yesh Din says 94% of police investigations into settler attacks were closed without indictment, and 4% ended in partial or full convictions with light sentences. B'Tselem has described settler violence as state violence. Dr Ahmad Duwaik of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights said the attacks are systematic and that security concerns do not justify violations of human rights.

The surge in violence comes nine days before Israeli elections. Stephen Zunes, a professor of politics at the University of San Francisco, said Netanyahu and right-wing members of his government believe they can get away with it. He pointed to the lifting of US sanctions on settlers and said Israeli troops have often been nearby and have supported settlers. He argued that accountability should extend beyond individual settlers to the Israeli government. Israel says it treats violence with severity, but questions remain about how often the army steps in to protect Palestinians.

No one has been arrested or charged over the assault on Levine or the European delegation, according to reports. The attacks have drawn condemnation from European governments and the United States, but have not yet led to visible enforcement against those involved.