In brief
A coalition of about thirty former Israeli generals and senior officers launched a day‑long olive‑harvest operation in the West Bank village of Qusra on Tuesday, signaling their solidarity with Palestinian farmers amid increasing settler violence. Led by Major General Eyal Ben‑Reuven, the group criticized the attacks as pogroms and urged the Israeli army to stop protecting settlers, citing reports of military involvement. The initiative aims to counter violence, address occupation concerns and protect Israel's international reputation, while the military maintains it condemns such actions.
A group of former Israeli military generals helped Palestinian farmers harvest olives in Qusra, West Bank, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in a rare display of solidarity amid a surge in settler attacks, according to Reuters.
The operation drew around 30 senior former officers—six of whom were generals—including Major General Eyal Ben‑Reuven, who said the group had been organized after settler violence increased, noting, “When I see what is going on here, when I see these guys come… and hit women and kids, it reminds me of stories from my parents from the time when the Jewish people suffered,”
“When I see what is going on here, when I see these guys come… and hit women and kids, it reminds me of stories from my parents from the time when the Jewish people suffered.”
Former Colonel Doron Meinert added that the military’s focus on protecting the West Bank settlement activities has contributed to the problem, calling occupation the “main problem of Israeli society” and urging joint solutions with Palestinians.
Occupation is the main problem of Israeli society. I believe we must deal with it, we cannot ignore it. We must try to solve it together with the Palestinians.
Former Brigadier General Jonatan Yoni said the attacks threaten Israel’s reputation, adding that the group’s motivation also included opposition to annexation of the West Bank.
Strategically, tactically, it's creating problems for the state of Israel in the West and the United States.
Owner Nimr Nazzal of land near Qusra said that without the ex‑military’s help his olives could not be harvested because of settler attacks, which he described as having the support of the Israeli military, claiming, “The army is protecting the settlers.”
Human‑rights group Yesh Din has documented 180 physical attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters in the last 35 days of the season, noting that in more than 23% of the incidents the Israeli army was present, according to the organization.
The Israeli military has denied the allegations that it protects settlers, stating that it condemns violence and is committed to maintaining security in the West Bank.
