Attack on European diplomats in Taybeh: Belgium seeks sanctions, Israel condemns settlers

An attack by Israeli settlers on French, Belgian and Polish diplomats in Taybeh drew sharp reactions in Europe. Belgium vowed to push for sanctions, and Israel’s army and foreign ministry condemned the violence.

RuskiGazeta Editorial DeskOctober 17, 2026, 08:01 PMUpdated: October 17, 2026, 08:13 PM

Attack on European diplomats in Taybeh: Belgium seeks sanctions, Israel condemns settlers

An attack by masked Israeli settlers on vehicles of French, Belgian and Polish diplomats on Saturday in the Palestinian village of Taybeh near Ramallah drew sharp reactions in Europe. Belgium’s foreign minister condemned the attack and vowed to press for sanctions against those responsible.

The diplomats had come to the largely Christian village to visit the olive harvest. According to Israel’s Army Radio, seven masked settlers on ATVs surrounded their car, demanded documents and smashed the window of a Belgian consulate vehicle. Witnesses said the settlers also kicked 78-year-old French mayor Bernard Baudoux.

Israel’s response

French mayor Bernard Baudoux on the ground after the attack (video still)

The Israeli military said it “strongly condemns the severe act of violence,” but noted that the consulate’s visit “was not coordinated with the IDF” and that no troops were present. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned “the severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters,” and police opened an investigation.

Opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot called settler attacks “Jewish terror under the auspices of the government of Israel.” The incident came in the final days of the campaign before the Oct. 27 election.

A day of attacks

The same day, according to Palestinian media, settlers fired at olive harvesters in Deir Jarir and stabbed to death about 20 sheep in Kafr Malik. A day earlier, Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was seriously injured.

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