Belgium condemns Israeli settler attack on European diplomats in West Bank

What Happened

On Saturday, Belgium condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a convoy of European diplomats in Taybeh, a largely Christian village east of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Witnesses and diplomats said masked settlers verbally abused the delegation before kicking Bernard Baudoux, 78, the left-wing mayor of the northern French town of Aulnoye-Aymeries. Video footage circulating online showed Baudoux slumped on the ground against a car, wearing a sash in the colours of the French flag. Two people who spoke to him said he was hurt but did not need hospital treatment. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned the attack, describing it as violence by 'rioters', while faulting the diplomats for not coordinating their visit with the Israeli military. Witnesses said settlers arrived to stop Palestinians from picking olives.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The attack on a European diplomatic convoy during the olive harvest underscores rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank and its potential to strain Israel's relations with European governments. Saar's mixed response — condemning the violence while blaming the diplomats for lack of coordination — signals possible friction over diplomatic movements and security arrangements in the West Bank.

Watch For

Monitor whether Israel opens an investigation or arrests the settlers involved, whether European governments issue further condemnations or summon the Israeli ambassador, and whether diplomatic missions change their coordination protocols with the Israeli military for visits to the West Bank. Also watch for any impact on olive harvest protection efforts around Taybeh and similar villages.