Israel detains US congressional candidate at West Bank olive harvest

Israeli forces detained US congressional candidate Brad Lander on Wednesday while he joined activists supporting Palestinian olive harvesters in the West Bank. Lander, a left-wing Democrat, posted on social media that he was detained along with rabbis and volunteers. He later claimed his release was due to his prominence, stating that Palestinians face far worse consequences daily.

The Israeli foreign ministry accused Lander of a "calculated political stunt" and said he ignored guidance to coordinate with Israeli authorities. The Israeli military stated that the landowner did not request permission for the harvest, citing security concerns near a settlement. Israel has faced international criticism for the violence during the harvest, with rights groups documenting multiple attacks and disruptions by settlers against Palestinians each day.

On Monday, Israel announced the arrest of several individuals following a clash between settlers and a US photojournalist, as well as a French mayor participating in the olive season. This incident occurs in the days leading up to Israeli elections, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to strengthen his pro-settlement base.

Lander, who is Jewish and a close ally of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is known for opposing Israeli policies. In a June primary, he defeated incumbent Dan Goldman, a rare Democrat who supports Israel.