World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
EU condemns settler attacks on Palestinians and European diplomats in West Bank
The EU condemned Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians and European diplomats in the occupied West Bank.
On October 17, settlers confronted a delegation visiting Palestinian olive harvesters near Taybeh, including Belgian, French and Polish officials and Catholic representatives.
A French mayor was assaulted, and a Belgian vehicle was damaged.
The day before, settlers attacked Palestinian farmers and Heidi Levine, a 64-year-old American journalist working for the Washington Post; she was injured and her cameras and phone were taken.
The attacks came during the olive harvest, when Palestinians are working in their groves, and amid a recent increase in settler violence.
The incidents also took place shortly before Israel's October 27 election.
The EU called for accountability and effective steps to prevent further violence, while France urged Israel to arrest those responsible.
The European Union condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and European diplomats in the occupied West Bank.
The attacks took place amid a recent surge in settler violence during the olive harvest season.
On October 17, settlers confronted a delegation visiting olive harvesters near Taybeh, including European diplomats and a French mayor.
A day earlier, settlers attacked Palestinian farmers and US journalist Heidi Levine, who was injured.
The EU called for accountability and measures to prevent further violence and harassment.
- Who
- The European Union condemned Israeli settlers’ attacks on Palestinians and European diplomats.
- What
- Settlers assaulted diplomats and a French mayor near Taybeh, and attacked Palestinian farmers and US journalist Heidi Levine.
- When
- The attacks took place on October 16 and 17, 2026. The EU issued its condemnation on October 18.
- Where
- The occupied West Bank, including near the Palestinian village of Taybeh.
- Why
- Not stated.
European Union
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
Reported attacks
European Union
The EU condemned attacks on European diplomats and Palestinians and called for accountability.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
Netanyahu’s office described the reports of the attack on Europeans as alleged and said they required compelling evidence.
Response
European Union
The EU called for effective measures to prevent further violence and harassment.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
Not stated.
Settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives and US journalist Heidi Levine, who was injured.
Settlers assaulted European diplomats, including a French mayor, near Taybeh as the delegation visited Palestinian olive harvesters.
The European Union condemned settler attacks on European diplomats and Palestinians in the West Bank.
- Attack location
- Near Taybeh, occupied West Bank
- Diplomat delegation
- Included Belgium’s consul general and French and Polish diplomats
- French mayor
- Bernard Baudoux
- US journalist
- Heidi Levine, 64, who freelances for the Washington Post
- Olive harvest
- Attacks occurred during the olive harvest season
4 sources
What people are saying
A French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle damaged
there is a tolerance on the part of the Israeli government
They must urgently halt this criminal violence and guarantee the safety of civilian populations, as they are compelled to do under international law.
But we expect full accountability as well as effective measures to prevent continued acts of violence and violent harassment against Palestinians, including during the ongoing olive harvest season, as well as against journalists.