World
• Analysis
Masked settlers attack diplomats in West Bank; Israel says visit was uncoordinated
Masked settlers attack diplomats visiting the occupied West Bank village of Taybeh during the olive harvest - and Israel's military said on Saturday the delegation's visit had not been coordinated with it, with no soldiers at the scene, as police opened an investigation.
By Haut Monde Post
• October 20, 2026
• 2 Min Read
What Israel's military and police said
Israel's military described the assault as a severe act of violence but said the diplomats' visit had not been coordinated with it and that no soldiers were at the scene during the attack.
The Israeli police said they had opened an investigation into the incident and that they condemn violence of any kind, pledging to work until everyone who took part is brought to justice.
Saar in contact with affected embassies
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar condemned the violence and said his ministry was in contact with the ambassadors of the countries whose representatives were affected.
I strongly condemn the severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters
The attack and Belgium's response
According to Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prevot, masked settlers attacked a group of European diplomats during a Saturday visit to the occupied West Bank, in the village of Taybeh, during the olive harvest.
- •The group targeted included Belgium's consul general, French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives.
- •Prevot said a French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle was damaged, and that his team was safe.
- •He linked the attack to what he called Israel's illegal settlement policy and pledged to push for further EU sanctions.
- •He also said Israeli authorities, as the occupying power, must protect Palestinians.
Context around the incident
The attack came less than two weeks before closely contested Israeli elections that could end Benjamin Netanyahu's time as prime minister. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least four people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the olive harvest began earlier this month. The Israeli police investigation into the Taybeh assault remains open, with police saying they will work until everyone who took part is brought to justice.
