Israelis push to stop Palestinian olive picking citing security threats

On Tuesday, the Knesset’s Subcommittee on Judea and Samaria within the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee convened to address mounting concerns around the annual olive harvest season in the West Bank. The Tzofot organization, which advocates for revised security measures in Judea and Samaria, raised alarms, arguing that the olive harvest serves as a front for surveillance activities.

According to Tzofot, Palestinian harvesters near settlements and key civilian routes routinely capture photos of local communities and infrastructure, potentially collecting information that could facilitate attacks similar to those in the Gaza border communities ahead of the recent Hamas assault.

Further, Tzofot contends that extensive military resources are required to oversee and protect the harvesters, which they claim diverts valuable personnel from regular and reserve IDF forces.

Highlighting community polling, Tzofot reports that 70-80% of West Bank Arabs allegedly support the recent massacre of southern communities. They also referenced a surge of incitement against Jews within Telegram groups. "With ongoing incitement and overwhelming support for violence, how can we simply ignore these activities and allow them to proceed unimpeded?"