European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank

Wed Oct 21 2026 16:26:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

European diplomats were assaulted by masked Israeli settlers while en route to Taybeh, prompting condemnation from Belgium, France and the US.

A convoy of European diplomats, including representatives from Belgium, France, Poland and the Catholic Church, was attacked by masked Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Taybeh. Stones were thrown and a consular vehicle damaged, leading Belgium’s foreign minister to call for justice and the safety of diplomats and civilians. France and Poland joined the condemnation, while Israeli officials blamed the attack on “rioters” and denied an IDF presence. The incident follows a separate assault on US journalist Heidi Levine, escalating tensions over Palestinian harvests and settler violence.

European diplomats were assaulted by masked Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Taybeh near Ramallah, following their visit to assess the consequences of settler attacks on Palestinian olive harvests.

The convoy staffed by Belgian, French, Polish and Catholic Church representatives encountered stone‑throwing; a consular vehicle window was shattered and a French mayor was struck, according to Belgian authorities.

Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prevot condemned the violence, calling on Israel to bring perpetrators to justice and to protect diplomats, journalists and civilians.

France’s foreign minister Jean‑Noël Barrot and Poland’s foreign affairs ministry also denounced the attack, demanding an end to settlement violence and a full account of events.

Israeli Defence Forces warned of “severe act of violence” but said no soldiers were present, while Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office urged caution, suggesting the incident may be part of a smear campaign.

The episode mirrors a separate assault on U.S. journalist Heidi Levine the previous day, which drew condemnation from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

Set against the backdrop of repeated settler blockades of Palestinian harvests, the attack underscores the escalating tensions in the West Bank during the olive‑harvest season.