Daijiworld Media Network - West Bank
West Bank, Nov 5: A group of former senior Israeli military officials, including six generals, have joined Palestinian farmers in harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank, expressing solidarity with them amid a rise in attacks by Israeli settlers.
Around 30 former military officials took part in the olive harvest near the village of Qusra on Tuesday, November 3, in an effort to help Palestinian farmers access their agricultural land and protect their livelihoods.
Former Major General Eyal Ben-Reuven, who organised the initiative, said he was deeply troubled by reports of settlers attacking Palestinian women and children. He compared the violence to historical persecution suffered by Jewish communities and said the situation had prompted him to bring together former senior military officers to support the farmers.
Former Colonel Doron Meinert said the occupation was a major problem facing Israeli society and called for efforts to address it through engagement with Palestinians. The former officers also expressed concern that settler violence was damaging Israel's international reputation, particularly in Western countries and the United States.
Former Brigadier General Jonatan Yoni said he was motivated by concern for Palestinian farmers and opposition to the annexation of the West Bank.
Nimr Nazzal, a Palestinian landowner near Qusra, said he would have been unable to reach his olive trees without the presence of the former military officials because of attacks by settlers. He also accused the Israeli military of protecting settlers, an allegation the military denies.
According to Israeli rights organisation Yesh Din, 180 physical attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters were recorded during the first 35 days of the current harvest season. The organisation said Israeli military personnel were present in more than 23 per cent of the recorded settler-violence incidents.
Palestinians have alleged that Israeli forces either respond late when called during attacks or sometimes assist the settlers. The Israeli military has rejected such allegations, stating that it condemns violence and works to maintain security in the West Bank.
The olive harvest is an important source of income for Palestinian families, while access to agricultural land has become increasingly difficult amid recurring settler attacks and restrictions.
The initiative by the former Israeli military officials comes as tensions continue over settlements and Palestinian land rights in the West Bank.