The Israeli military detained approximately 80 volunteers, including New York Democratic congressional nominee Brad Lander, during an olive harvest in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. The group, which included US, Israeli, and British citizens, was apprehended near the village of Nahalin, located outside of Bethlehem.
Among those taken into custody were several rabbis and Israel’s former deputy attorney general. Following the detention, the volunteers were transported by bus to a local police station.
Context of the Incident
The volunteers were participating in a seasonal effort to assist Palestinian farmers with their olive harvest. Lander, who confirmed his detention via social media while being transported, characterized the group's actions as peaceful agricultural support. He stated that the group was simply harvesting olives in a grove when they were intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Lander criticized the military action, asserting that the occupation is a violation of international law and maintaining that the act of harvesting olives should not be considered a criminal offense.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Bank, where olive harvesting often becomes a flashpoint between Palestinian farmers, Israeli settlers, and security forces during the autumn season.
