Herzog calls for crackdown on violent West Bank settlers as olive harvest tensions mount

President Isaac Herzog backed senior IDF commanders in cracking down on violent extremist settler attacks in the West Bank, he told JTA. His comments came a day before Israeli forces detained New York Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander along with 90 rabbis and activists accompanying Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest.

President Isaac Herzog is backing senior IDF commanders in taking decisive action against violent extremist settler attacks in the West Bank, he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. His comments came a day before Israeli forces detained New York Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander along with 90 rabbis and activists accompanying Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. At a press briefing in Budapest, Herzog said he gave the IDF full backing to stop the settler violence 'at its roots,' adding that 'major efforts' were underway. Nine of ten suspects arrested for assaulting Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine were released from custody. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered an additional Border Police company to the West Bank. The attacks have drawn condemnation from the US and European governments. Herzog also discussed his visit to Hungary, where he met with the new prime minister, and addressed his initiative Voice of the People.