Dozens of masked settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives Saturday

Dozens of masked Israeli settlers from an illegal outpost attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in the southern West Bank on Saturday, according to footage and the military. The IDF said troops dispersed the rioters and imposed a closed military zone. One vehicle was apparently stolen. Violence continued Sunday in Beita.

Dozens of masked Israeli settlers from an illegal outpost attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in the southern West Bank on Saturday, according to footage and the military. The settlers, dressed in black and riding in vehicles, approached the Palestinians near the village of Sa'ir. The IDF said troops and Border Police were dispatched after reports of confrontations. A Palestinian car was vandalized, and the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported at least five Palestinians were injured. The army dispersed the rioters and imposed a closed military zone to allow the harvest to continue. Later, the settlers returned but fled before troops arrived. The IDF said one vehicle with a Palestinian license plate was apparently stolen. The military strongly condemned the attackers, saying such incidents divert forces and undermine stability. Violence continued on Sunday in Beita, where settlers vandalized two vehicles and attacked a home. Settler violence has surged in recent months, with few perpetrators charged, sparking international backlash and sanctions. The article notes that Israeli authorities have been accused of turning a blind eye to such attacks.