In brief
A delegation of European diplomats was assaulted by masked Israeli settlers near Ramallah’s village of Taybeh, triggering sharp condemnation from Belgium and France. The Israeli defence forces condemned the violence and are investigating, while Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office doubts the reports, citing possible smear campaigns. The incident follows a separate settler assault on a US journalist and a Palestinian farmer. International actors, including the EU and Poland, demand accountability and an end to settler violence amid the annual olive harvest. The attack has intensified calls for Israeli authorities to protect diplomats, journalists and Palestinian civilians.
A delegation of European diplomats was attacked by masked Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Belgium condemned the assault on its consular staff, while France called the incident “appalling” and demanded justice for the attackers.
The Israeli defence forces denounced the violence as a severe act and said an investigation was underway. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, however, cast doubt on the sequence of events, suggesting the reports could be part of a smear campaign against Israel.
The attack unfolded a day after settlers wounded a Palestinian farmer and a Washington Post photographer in another West Bank village. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labelled the assault disturbing and called for a full response.
European diplomats, including envoys from Belgium, France, Poland and delegates of the Catholic Church, had been in the largely Christian village of Taybeh near Ramallah to assess daily settler attacks during the olive harvest. Video footage shows masked settlers confronting the convoy, with stones reportedly thrown at the vehicles.
Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prevot urged Israel to bring the perpetrators to justice and to safeguard diplomats, journalists and Palestinians alike. He warned that the violence should not deter diplomatic duties or reporting on the situation.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot demanded Israeli authorities halt criminal violence and guarantee civilian safety. Poland called for a firm response and an end to the spiral of violence. The EU condemned the attacks, urging adherence to international law and an end to settlement expansion.
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the violence, referring to the assailants as “Israeli rioters” and noted that Israeli forces were not present at the scene. He added that coordination with the defence forces might have preserved visitor safety.
Netanyahu’s office urged caution before drawing conclusions, stating that social media images do not provide a complete picture. Israeli police and forensic investigators are working to identify those responsible and evaluate the circumstances.
The incident has heightened tensions amid the annual olive harvest, as settlers frequently clash with Palestinians and journalists. International actors continue to press Israel for accountability and protection of all stakeholders in the conflict zone.
