World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
Settler attacks and olive theft rise during West Bank harvest
Palestinians harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank are facing a sharp rise in settler attacks this season.
The harvest began in late September, and the attacks include assaults on farmers, stolen olives and damaged trees.
Olive groves are a source of income and a deep part of Palestinian heritage, and many families have tended them for generations.
Israeli rights group Yesh Din has recorded more than 125 physical assaults on harvesters and hundreds of incidents involving crop theft or damage, though figures vary between its updates.
Since 2023, more than 180 settler outposts have been established, often near Palestinian communities and farmland, according to watchdog group Peace Now.
Palestinians say access to groves is restricted while settlers move freely, and at least four Palestinians have been killed this season, though it is unclear whether settlers or Israeli soldiers were responsible.
The violence has drawn international criticism as Israel approaches a legislative election next Tuesday, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised settlers and pledged to expand settlements.
Violence and theft targeting Palestinian olive harvesters have increased sharply during this year’s harvest in the occupied West Bank, according to rights groups and residents.
Yesh Din reported 125 physical attacks and 168 crop-theft incidents during the first 24 days of the season.
The Associated Press reported more than 325 incidents of settler violence this harvest, including destroyed trees, stolen olives and assaults.
Palestinians say the groves are part of their heritage and provide needed income, while some Israeli settlers claim the land belongs to Israel.
The harvest has drawn international criticism as Israel approaches a legislative election.
- Who
- Palestinian olive harvesters are being attacked and having their crops stolen by Israeli settlers. Palestinians, Israeli rights groups and the UN have reported the violence.
- What
- Violence and theft have increased during the West Bank olive harvest. Reports include assaults on harvesters, stolen olives and damaged trees.
- When
- During the 2026 harvest season, which sources variously say began in late September or officially began on October 15.
- Where
- The occupied West Bank, including areas near Palestinian villages and Israeli settler outposts.
- Why
- The harvest brings Palestinians onto groves they say are part of their heritage and livelihood. Some settlers assert that the land should belong to Israel.
Palestinian harvesters and rights groups
Settlers and pro-settler voices
Land and harvest
Palestinian harvesters and rights groups
Palestinians and rights groups say the groves are Palestinian land and report attacks, theft and restricted access.
Settlers and pro-settler voices
Prominent Orthodox rabbi Dov Lior said Palestinians had no ownership rights to the land and that harvesting olives fulfilled the commandment of conquering it.
Taking olives
Palestinian harvesters and rights groups
Rabbi Zev Weitman called removing Palestinians’ olives theft or robbery and said it was forbidden.
Settlers and pro-settler voices
Lior said settlers should harvest across the West Bank.
The AP says this year’s olive harvest season began.
France 24 reports that the West Bank olive harvest officially began.
Yesh Din reported 125 physical attacks and 168 crop-theft incidents over the preceding 24 days.
The AP reported more than 325 incidents of settler violence during the harvest, including assaults and damage or theft affecting olive crops.
- Physical attacks
- 125 reported by Yesh Din over 24 days
- Crop theft
- 168 incidents reported by Yesh Din over 24 days
- Settler violence
- More than 325 incidents reported by Yesh Din for the harvest season
- New outposts
- More than 180 erected since 2023, according to Peace Now
- Fatalities
- At least four Palestinians killed this season, whether by settlers or Israeli soldiers
4 sources
How Israeli settlers wearing keffiyehs are attacking West Bank olive groves
Israeli Settlers Turn a Palestinian Rite Into a Gantlet of Violence and Fear
Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians surge during West Bank olive harvest
Israeli settlers steal Palestinians' olives as attacks on harvest grow more violent
What people are saying
But settlers can come and go freely, and that's what they do.
I call it theft. From my perspective, I define it as theft or robbery, and it is forbidden,
In the past, harvesters would enjoy a month of singing and fixing tea and coffee in their groves. Now the journey is full of pain and risk,
How would you feel if something that belonged to you was being violated, and you could do nothing about it?