Settlers Attack EU Diplomats, French Mayor in West Bank

Israeli settlers have violently attacked European diplomats, a French mayor, and a Catholic archbishop in Taybeh, a Christian village in the occupied West Bank ^[1]. The assault occurred during a planned olive harvest, with masked militants targeting a delegation including the Belgian and Polish consuls, the French consul general, and the archbishop of Cambrai ^[2]. Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, was beaten and knocked to the ground while wearing his official sash, reportedly after shouting 'Vive la France'. A window of a Belgian diplomatic vehicle was smashed during the attack ^[3].

The violence followed a series of attacks since 27 September, with over 170 incidents reported by rights group Yesh Din, resulting in at least four deaths, more than 100 injuries, and widespread tree damage ^[2]. On Friday, Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was severely injured in a separate attack and required surgery. Despite the presence of journalists, diplomats, and senior clergy, the attacks have continued, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and international observers.

Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prévot condemned the violence and demanded accountability, stating that harvesting olives, reporting news, or carrying out diplomatic duties should never endanger lives ^[3]. He reiterated Belgium’s push for EU sanctions against settlers. Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the 'Israeli rioters' but said the visit lacked military coordination, a claim disputed by diplomatic sources who say such coordination violates international law ^[2].

The IDF condemned the violence and confirmed no soldiers were present at the scene, while Netanyahu’s office questioned the footage, suggesting a 'coordinated campaign to smear Israel' — a claim reported by one source only and not confirmed ^[3]. Palestinian priest Father Bashar Fawadleh called the incident a 'deeply disturbing escalation' and warned that even international witnesses are no longer safe ^[2]. Former prime minister Ehud Barak urged ICC intervention, while opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot described the violence as 'Jewish terror under the auspices of the Israeli government'.

What happens next remains uncertain, as investigations proceed and diplomatic pressure mounts over Israel’s role in enabling settler violence. The story was first reported by Sky News and The Guardian.