IDF completes preparations for West Bank olive harvest, as nationalist violence, clashes expected

The IDF's Central Command completed preparations across all its units on Thursday, October 8, for the coordinated Palestinian olive harvest in the West Bank, amid growing concerns over nationalist violence, terrorist attacks, and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers.The preparations are intended to prevent friction between Palestinian and Israeli populations during the coordinated olive harvest in Areas A and B. The harvest season is considered a sensitive period from a security standpoint, with growing concerns over nationalist crime and terrorist attacks.According to a military source familiar with preparations for the coming week, the period presents several major challenges. Violent groups on both sides, including extremist anarchists and radical settlement activists, have decided to disrupt this year's olive harvests in the West Bank.As violent incidents have continued over the past month, military sources say the situation has deteriorated compared with previous years, including growing disputes over territory and control of land."This includes anarchists and activists who deliberately come to the area to stir up tensions and incite violence. One of them was arrested over the weekend after being presented with a closed military zone order and refusing to leave, which led to his arrest. In addition, there is information that last week he deliberately took Palestinians to an area where the olive harvest had not been coordinated with the IDF in order to provoke an incident,” an IDF source told Walla."A similar incident took place on Saturday in the Binyamin Regional Brigade's area. About 200 Palestinians and activists gathered opposite an illegal outpost. A confrontation developed with 20 settlers, including stone-throwing, until the IDF arrived to separate the sides. Both sides intend to prevent the harvest season from proceeding smoothly. There is also the possibility of terrorist attacks being carried out under the cover of the harvest, and the IDF is alert to that as well."One wounded in altercation between Palestinians, IsraelisAnother incident in recent days involved Palestinians arriving to harvest olives in the South Hebron Hills, where a confrontation developed between Palestinians and Israelis. The owner of a nearby farm fired into the air in an attempt to separate those involved.According to a military source, "A suspect arrived and tried to steal his weapon, and the farm owner shot him in the leg. The concern is that this will escalate..."Another phenomenon identified by the IDF involves settlers who believe that if the military prevents Palestinians from harvesting olives in a designated area, Israelis should be allowed to harvest there instead.The military source addressed the issue, saying, "This is something we consider completely unacceptable. These are lands where we do not permit harvesting for various safety reasons, whether it is an area covered by a jurisdiction order for a future settlement or an area closer to Israeli communities. This has been discussed with settlement leaders, and further discussions will take place in the coming days to convey the message that we have no intention of tolerating the situation and that they are prohibited from harvesting there."The military source also pointed to numerous incidents of looting and theft surrounding the olive harvests, which have subsequently led to violence."An analysis conducted by Central Command shows that 98% of Palestinian land can be harvested without coordination. Only 2% requires coordination. Less than 1% of that 2% is completely off-limits for harvesting. This is what creates all the chaos for the IDF. That is why we insist on coordination with the IDF and the police before harvesting."Estimates indicate that this year's olive harvest will produce an exceptionally high yield, potentially further increasing friction between the Palestinian and Israeli populations.Numerous nationalist crimes reported since start of OctoberSince the beginning of October, dozens of incidents of nationalist crime have already been reported. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), IDF, Border Police, and Israel Police are working together to reduce the number of such incidents.In another incident, Israelis attacked a Palestinian near Yabroud, northeast of Ramallah, on Saturday, blocking his path and beating him until he managed to flee the scene.No suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.Military sources assess that this year's olive harvest season could be the most violent compared with previous harvest seasons.