Policy Change in Judea and Samaria: IDF to Block Arab Olive Harvesters from State Lands

The IDF and Central Command are changing policy ahead of the olive harvest season in Judea and Samaria: for the first time, Arab harvesters will be barred from accessing olive trees and plots on state lands. The decision aims to sharpen the distinction between harvesting on private plots and entering state lands, against the backdrop of claims that the season is being exploited to establish a presence in Area C.

First publication: The IDF and Central Command are changing policy ahead of the upcoming olive harvest season in Judea and Samaria. For the first time, Arab harvesters will be barred from entering plots and olive trees located on state lands throughout Judea and Samaria. According to sources familiar with the details, harvest coordination will not apply to areas that are not recognized and proven private property. IDF forces are expected to set up checkpoints and prevent access to areas defined as state lands. Behind the decision is a harvest season expected to be particularly abundant this year, and assessments in the defense establishment of increased attempts to reach disputed plots. For years, the harvest season was accompanied by security coordination with Palestinian entities. Now, the IDF seeks to sharpen the distinction between harvesting on private plots and entering state lands. A senior settlement figure welcomed the decision, saying it is a first step toward restoring security and order. The defense establishment is preparing for the possibility of protest attempts or disturbances.