A group of European diplomats was attacked by masked Israeli settlers on Saturday during a visit to the occupied West Bank. According to Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, the incident took place in the village of Taybeh, located 5 kilometres northeast of Jerusalem.
The diplomats targeted during the assault included Belgium’s consul general, as well as representatives from France and Poland and various Catholic officials. Prevot confirmed that while a French mayor was assaulted and a vehicle belonging to the Belgian delegation was damaged, the diplomatic team remained safe.
In a strong statement following the incident, Prevot condemned the attack and attributed the violence to what he termed Israel’s “illegal settlement policy.” He argued that Israel, as the “occupying power,” holds a duty to protect Palestinians and asserted that “impunity for violent settlers must end.” Furthermore, the Belgian minister pledged to advocate for additional sanctions from the European Union.
Israel’s military characterized the event as a “severe act of violence,” noting that the diplomats’ visit had not been coordinated with their forces and that no soldiers were present at the scene. Israeli police have since launched an investigation into the matter, stating they condemn all forms of violence and are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, also issued a condemnation of the “severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters” via social media, confirming that his ministry is in contact with the relevant countries' ambassadors.
The attack occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence during the annual olive harvest, a period when Palestinian farmers face increased risks while accessing their lands. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least four people have been killed and over 100 injured since the harvest began. On Friday alone, settlers targeted at least eight villages in the northern West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure regarding his government’s security policies and treatment of Palestinians, with closely contested elections scheduled in less than two weeks.
