Israeli security forces detained 80 activists and rabbis, including U.S. Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander, while they assisted Palestinians in harvesting olives near the Beitar Illit settlement in the West Bank on October 21. The detentions occurred as part of a coordinated olive harvest effort organized by groups including Rabbis for Human Rights and T'ruah, which brought international and Israeli participants to support Palestinian farmers.
Israeli military and police cited a closed military zone as the reason for the detentions, stating the area required prior coordination for security reasons. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed their personnel, alongside Border Police and Judea and Samaria District Police, were involved in the operation. Lander and several others were later released with warnings, while others remained in custody at publication time.
The incident unfolded during the annual olive harvest, a culturally and economically significant period for Palestinian farmers. However, the harvest has increasingly been marked by violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers, as well as assaults on journalists and diplomats covering the events. Earlier this month, Jewish American photojournalist Heidi Levine was assaulted while documenting the harvest in the West Bank.
Official Responses and Rationale
The IDF stated the group had failed to coordinate their presence in the area, which it deemed a security risk due to proximity to Israeli settlements. A spokesperson for the IDF said the military had informed the landowner of the grove before the detentions took place. The U.S. State Department did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Activists’ Statements
Brad Lander, who is running to represent New York’s 10th Congressional District, described the detentions in a video filmed while being transported by Israeli forces. He stated, “We’ve been detained by the Israeli military for harvesting olives, and let’s be clear: Occupation is a crime under international law. Harvesting olives is not a crime under any law.” The activists emphasized their role in supporting Palestinian farmers’ right to access their land safely.
Broader Context of the Olive Harvest
The olive harvest in the West Bank is a recurring flashpoint due to disputes over land access, settler violence, and Israeli military restrictions. Palestinian farmers often face delays, restrictions, or outright bans on reaching their groves, particularly near settlements. International observers, including diplomats and journalists, have reported increasing incidents of violence during the harvest season, raising concerns about freedom of movement and security for Palestinians.
Previous Incidents
- Heidi Levine, a photojournalist, was assaulted while covering the harvest earlier in October.
- European diplomats and dignitaries reported violent attacks during tours of the West Bank.
- Rabbis for Human Rights and other groups have long advocated for Palestinian farmers’ rights, citing international law and humanitarian concerns as the basis for their activism.