Masked settlers attack European diplomats in occupied West Bank

Masked Israeli settlers attacked a group of European diplomats in the village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said. The incident took place during the olive harvest, when violence against Palestinians and others has intensified, and was the second day in a row of high-profile attacks.

According to Prevot, the settlers targeted Belgium's consul general, French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives. He said a French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle was damaged, while the Belgian team was safe. The minister tied the violence to what he called Israel's "illegal settlement policy" and pledged to push for further EU sanctions. He argued that Israel, as the occupying power, must protect Palestinians and that impunity for violent settlers must end.

Israeli officials respond

The Israeli military described the attack as a "severe act of violence" but said the visit had not been coordinated with it and that no soldiers were present. Israeli police said they had opened an investigation and would work until everyone involved is brought to justice. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar strongly condemned the violence by what he called Israeli rioters in a post on X and said his ministry was in contact with the ambassadors of the countries concerned.

Wider context

The Palestinian health ministry says at least four people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the harvest began earlier this month. Activists say Israeli authorities do little to stop the attacks, which involve weapons ranging from slingshots to guns. On Friday, an attack seriously injured a Washington Post photographer and others.

The attacks came less than two weeks before closely contested elections in Israel that could end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's time in office. His government, described as the most nationalist and far-right in Israel's history, faces domestic criticism over security failures and international criticism over its treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.