Israeli settlers attack EU diplomats, French mayor in West Bank

AI-generated briefing · First published 2026-10-18 00:55:21 UTC

Masked settlers assaulted diplomats and a French mayor in Taybeh during the olive harvest, injuring three and damaging vehicles.

Masked Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats in Taybeh, injuring French mayor Bernard Baudoux, 78, and damaging a Belgian vehicle. The delegation included officials from Belgium, France, Poland and the Catholic Church. [1] [3] [4] [5]

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the violence and said police opened an investigation. The IDF said no soldiers were present and called the attack "severe." Netanyahu's office suggested the reports were part of a "smear campaign." [1] [3] [4] [5]

Belgium's foreign minister Maxime Prevot condemned the attack and said his government would press for EU sanctions. France's foreign minister called on Israel to arrest those responsible. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Sources

1. 🔴 Israeli settlers beat French mayor, attack European diplomatic cars in West Bank

   France 24 English · 2026-10-17 14:58:54 UTC · Full text

2. Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in the West Bank

   Financial Times · 2026-10-17 16:11:59 UTC · Summary only

3. West Bank: Israeli settlers attack EU diplomats, French mayor

   DW English · 2026-10-17 16:29:00 UTC · Excerpt

4. Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in West Bank

   The Guardian · 2026-10-17 18:57:56 UTC · Excerpt

5. European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank

   BBC World · 2026-10-17 23:52:38 UTC · Excerpt

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