Settler attacks disrupt West Bank olive harvest, injuring farmers and journalist

Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives across the occupied West Bank on Friday, burning trees and vehicles and injuring farmers and a Washington Post photojournalist.

At Abu Falah, near Ramallah, about 80 settlers descended on a terraced olive grove, according to Reuters witnesses. Some used slingshots to throw stones, while villagers threw rocks back as they retreated. At least two people were taken to hospitals, including photographer Heidi Levine, who said she was knocked down and repeatedly kicked despite wearing protective equipment marked “Press.” The Washington Post said her cameras and phone were taken and called for an investigation.

Israeli military vehicles arrived during the attack, but the violence continued. Soldiers fired tear gas toward Palestinians, and a Reuters photographer saw an armed settler fire a gun. The military later said troops fired warning shots and then toward someone they believed posed a threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the circumstances of Levine’s assault were unclear and blamed a confrontation involving “200 Arabs and far-left activists,” while condemning violence against anyone.

Palestinian authorities reported Friday attacks in eight villages and at least 20 injuries. Settlers also reportedly burned three cars near Turmus Ayya.

On Saturday, settlers confronted a delegation of Belgian, French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives visiting olive harvesters near Taybeh. Belgium’s foreign minister said a French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle damaged. Israeli police opened an investigation.

The UN humanitarian office said nearly 200 settler attacks linked to this year’s harvest have caused casualties or property damage, exceeding the 185 incidents recorded during the entire 2025 season.