Israel Katz orders administrative removal of left-wing activists ahead of West Bank olive harvest

Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued new orders on Thursday to pursue administrative removal against activists whose actions are deemed to jeopardize public order or security in the West Bank. These measures were requested by Yisrael Ganz, chairman of the Yesha Council. The directive comes as the annual olive harvest commences in the West Bank, with left-wing activists planning to visit the region.

Ganz, who leads the Binyamin Regional Council and chairs the Yesha Council, representing Israeli settlements in the West Bank, appealed to Katz on behalf of local government officials. Ganz's appeal aimed to prevent activists from entering olive-harvesting zones, which he identified as a breeding ground for provocations and clashes.

The request followed a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group behind the Gaza-bound flotilla that included Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, announcing plans to recruit foreign activists to join activities in olive-harvesting areas of the West Bank. Ganz's appeal also mentioned other organizations, such as Go Palestine, Protect the Harvest, Faz3a, and the International Solidarity Movement, that are organizing events in the area.

In response to the request, Katz directed officials to strive for the issuance of administrative removal orders for any activists whose actions are determined to threaten public order or security in the West Bank.