European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank

European diplomats were assaulted by masked settlers in the West Bank on Saturday, according to Belgium's foreign minister, Maxime Prevot. This marks the second day of high-profile attacks on Palestinians and others during the sensitive olive harvest. At least four individuals have been killed, and over 100 injured since the harvest began earlier this month, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Activists claim Israeli authorities do little to prevent these violent incidents, which involve weapons ranging from slingshots to firearms. On Friday, a Washington Post photographer and others were seriously injured in another attack. In Taybeh village, the settlers targeted Belgium's consul general, French and Polish diplomats, as well as Catholic representatives.

A French mayor was assaulted, and a Belgian vehicle was damaged. Prevot linked the attack to Israel's "illegal settlement policy" and pledged to push for further European Union sanctions, calling for an end to impunity for violent settlers. Israeli authorities must protect Palestinians as the occupying power, he added. The attacks occurred less than two weeks before crucial elections that could end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure.

Netanyahu's nationalist and far-right government faces both domestic criticism over security failures and international criticism over its treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. While the Israeli military called the attack a "severe act of violence," they stated that the visit had not been coordinated with them and no soldiers were present.

Israeli police have initiated an investigation and condemned the violence, vowing to bring those involved to justice. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned the "severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters" and assured that his ministry was in contact with the ambassadors of the affected countries.