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President Isaac Herzog is advocating for a crackdown on violent West Bank settlers as tensions rise during the olive harvest season, according to reports from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. This call for action came shortly after Israeli forces detained New York Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander alongside 90 rabbis and activists involved in supporting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest.

Speaking at a press briefing in Budapest, Herzog detailed the steps his government has taken to curb settler violence, noting a recent meeting with the IDF's West Bank division commander and other senior officers. He emphasized his commitment to addressing the root cause of the issue, stating that significant efforts are being made to curb the violent extremism.

A day earlier, the Israel Police released nine out of ten suspects arrested following a series of settler attacks, including an assault on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who suffered severe injuries. Herzog personally apologized to Levine for the attack, expressing deep sorrow and remorse. The recent events have drawn condemnation from international bodies, with the European Union urging Israel to take full accountability for preventing violence against Palestinians, journalists, and diplomats.

Herzog's visit to Hungary, his first as a senior Israeli leader since the election of opposition leader Péter Magyar, was seen as a positive step. Magyar, who defeated longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, praised the strength of relations between the two countries. Herzog also addressed the ongoing issue of antisemitism, stating that combating it would be a long-term battle and emphasizing the importance of engaging with the unaffiliated Jewish population both in Israel and the diaspora.