Senior Police Official Criticizes IDF Following Attack on European Diplomats
A senior police official criticized the IDF's operational presence in Judea and Samaria after masked settlers attacked European diplomats during an olive harvest near Taybeh.
A senior police official criticized the operational conduct of the IDF in Judea and Samaria on Saturday following a violent assault by masked settlers against European diplomats participating in a Palestinian olive harvest near the village of Taybeh.
Security Concerns and IDF Response
The senior official warned that the military lacks sufficient presence in the field. According to the official, if continuous presence is not established at known friction points during this period, authorities risk losing control entirely. In response, military sources stated that forces have been reinforced throughout the region, noting that preventing incidents at every possible point would require at least ten additional battalions.
The incident began shortly before 1:30 PM when masked rioters attacked diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland who were accompanying Palestinian harvesters. Prior to the attack, Israeli eyewitnesses sent coordinates and a video to a military WhatsApp group, stating that armed masked men were approaching and requesting immediate assistance. The message went unanswered, and troops did not arrive.
Investigation and Official Reactions
The military explained that the civilian report was sent to a brigade operations room designated strictly for security personnel rather than citizens. The Israel Police launched an investigation into the assault, though no arrests have been made.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the violent incident, stating that the ministry is in contact with the relevant foreign ambassadors to assist law enforcement. He added that the visit had not been coordinated in advance with the military.
In a statement released in English only, the Prime Minister's Office urged caution before jumping to conclusions, suggesting the reports may be part of a coordinated campaign against Jewish residents during the harvest season.
