Olive Harvest Fuels West Bank Tensions Ahead of Israeli Elections

Israeli soldiers backed settlers who took over Palestinian olive groves on Saturday as the harvest season began, according to witnesses and medics.

Several people were injured in incidents across different parts of the occupied West Bank, the accounts indicated. No precise injury toll or details of the injuries were provided.

Witnesses described soldiers supporting settlers during the seizures of the groves. The accounts did not specify the locations or identify those involved.

The incidents bring tensions over Palestinian olive groves into focus at the start of the picking season, against the backdrop of approaching Israeli elections.