EU Condemns Israeli Settler Violence Against Diplomats in West Bank, Demands Accountability

The European Union has strongly condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a convoy carrying European diplomats in the occupied West Bank, calling for immediate action to halt what it described as "pogroms." The statement from the 27-member bloc was issued on Sunday, following an assault by masked settlers on a visiting delegation near the Palestinian village of Taybeh the previous day.

This incident has heightened diplomatic pressure on Israel, particularly as attacks on Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season increasingly endanger journalists and foreign visitors who accompany them. Diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland, alongside representatives of the Catholic Church, were visiting the predominantly Christian village east of Ramallah to express solidarity with Palestinian olive growers when they were attacked by masked individuals.

The attackers reportedly threatened members of the delegation and damaged a window on a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. Bernard Baudoux, the 78-year-old mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, recounted being kicked and beaten despite wearing a ceremonial sash that identified him as a French official. "I was thrown to the ground," Baudoux told Reuters on Saturday.

While the EU acknowledged statements from Israeli officials condemning the attacks, it emphasized the expectation of "full accountability" and the implementation of measures to prevent future violence against Palestinians and journalists. The bloc also urged Israel to adhere to international law and cease the expansion of settlements in the occupied territory.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Israel on Saturday to apprehend those responsible and ensure the protection of civilians. Belgian personnel were reported to be safe, though their vehicle sustained damage. Poland’s Foreign Ministry stated on X that its diplomats were unharmed and there was no indication they were specifically targeted, demanding an explanation and action from Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the violence, labeling the perpetrators as "rioters" and confirming that police had launched an investigation. He also noted that the delegation had not coordinated its visit with the Israeli military, suggesting that advance arrangements could have enhanced visitor safety. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office deemed violence against diplomats unacceptable but questioned the sufficiency of online video evidence to determine the exact events.

The diplomatic incident occurred shortly after another attack on Friday in the village of Abu Falah, near Ramallah. Masked settlers assaulted Palestinians engaged in the olive harvest, resulting in severe injuries to US photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was covering the farmers for The Washington Post. Levine reported being beaten for over ten minutes, despite wearing identifying journalist attire, sustaining broken ribs and requiring hand surgery. Her camera, phone, and passport were stolen.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Israel to crack down on settler violence, warning of potential crises. The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, described Levine’s assault as a "despicable act of terror" on X, demanding prosecutions.

These attacks have significantly disrupted the olive harvest, a crucial source of income for tens of thousands of Palestinian families. On Sunday, Israeli settlers reportedly cut down 120 olive trees on Palestinian-owned land in the village of Kisan, southeast of Bethlehem, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Farmers have consistently reported assaults, crop theft, property damage, and restrictions on accessing their land.

The United Nations humanitarian office indicated last week that nearly 200 settler attacks linked to this year's harvest had resulted in casualties or property damage, surpassing the 185 incidents recorded during the entire previous year's season.