Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in the occupied West Bank

On October 17, 2026, masked Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats and a visiting French mayor near the Palestinian village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank. The delegation included Belgian, French, Polish officials, and Catholic representatives who were there to support Palestinian olive farmers amid escalating attacks during the harvest season. Bernard Baudoux, the 78-year-old mayor from northern France, was beaten severely despite wearing a ceremonial sash identifying him as a French official; his attackers used iron bars and kicked him repeatedly.

Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s foreign minister, condemned the assault on Belgian officials and called for Israel to bring those responsible to justice. At least four people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the harvest began earlier this month, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Videos from activist Amit Orfali showed masked settlers confronting the convoy.

The Israeli military condemned the attack but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office questioned its validity, suggesting it was part of a coordinated effort to smear Israel’s image internationally. The European Union has since called for measures against such violence, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Israel.