Rabbi Lior's Olive Harvesting Ruling Sparks IDF Frustration and Halachic Debate
Rabbi Dov Lior issued a controversial ruling permitting Jews to harvest olives in Palestinian groves amid restricted access, contradicting Gush Etzion rabbis and drawing IDF frustration over heightened friction.
Halachic Ruling on Olive Harvesting Amid Security Tensions
Rabbi Dov Lior issued a controversial halachic ruling permitting Jews to harvest olives in groves planted by Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. According to the ruling, when owners are denied access for security reasons, it can be assumed they have despaired of the fruit.
The ruling comes as the IDF expresses frustration over Israelis harvesting olives on state lands where Palestinian entry has been barred. This stance contradicts a recent opinion by Gush Etzion rabbis, who ruled that restricted access does not permit taking the olives.
Security Implications and IDF Frustration
In his letter, Rabbi Lior argued that harvesting carries security benefits and serves as an expression of ownership over the land and the fulfillment of the commandment to conquer it. He stated that since Palestinians did not legally purchase the land from the Jewish people, it remains under Jewish ownership.
"Harvesting olives in the Holy Land is entirely permitted, and even carries an added virtue given the security dangers," Rabbi Lior wrote.
Meanwhile, a senior security official told Israel Hayom that the army views unauthorized harvesting not only as crop theft, but as an action that increases friction and Palestinian frustration. The IDF decided not to permit Palestinian harvesting on state lands this year, but the entry ban does not grant Israelis permission to take the crop.
