A group of former Israeli army commanders helped Palestinian farmers on Tuesday to harvest their olives. This action took place amid rising violent extremism against Palestinians in the West Bank and demonstrates solidarity with Palestinian farmers.
Violent Extremism and the Response of Former Commanders
Eyal Ben-Reuven, a former Israeli army general, stated: "When I see what is happening here and these individuals attacking women and children, it reminds me of stories from times when Jewish people suffered." He compared these extremist attacks to massacres.
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Ben-Reuven, who invited about 30 former military commanders to this activity, said that this action was taken following an increase in violent extremism, which many Palestinians believe is supported by the Israeli army.
Concerns About the Impact of Violence on Israel's Global Image
Former General Yonatan Yoni also remarked: "Strategically and tactically, this violence creates problems for the Israeli government in the West and the United States." He also noted the suffering of Palestinian farmers and opposition to the annexation of the West Bank.
Nimer Nazzal, a landowner near Qusra, stated that without the help of these commanders, his access to his olives would have been impossible due to extremist attacks. He added that many of these attacks are carried out with the support of the Israeli army, saying: "The army supports the extremists."
The Israeli human rights group Yesh Din reported that since the beginning of the olive harvest season, 180 physical attacks on Palestinian harvesters have been recorded. This group also stated that in over 23% of cases of extremist violence, the Israeli army was present at the scene.
Palestinians claim that when they contact the Israeli army, they either respond late or act in favor of the extremists. The army has denied these allegations.
Ben-Reuven and other former commanders expressed concern that this violence negatively impacts Israel's global image. They emphasized the need for cooperation with Palestinians to address issues.
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