Israeli security forces detained about 90 U.S., Israeli and British volunteers helping Palestinians harvest olives near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on Oct. 27, 2026.
The arrests came as intensified Israeli raids displaced thousands, curbed movement, jeopardized livelihoods, disrupted schooling for hundreds of thousands, and may constitute collective punishment.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned Israeli raids in Hebron displaced about 5,000 Palestinians.
Center
Revoked travel authorizations
Israeli security forces detained about 90 U.S., Israeli and British volunteers assisting Palestinians with an olive harvest near Bethlehem in West Bank on Oct. 27, 2026.
The arrests followed Defense Minister Israel Katz’s October order to pursue administrative removal of activists deemed a public-order threat.
The Foreign Ministry said volunteers entered a prohibited zone without prior coordination.
Population and Immigration Authority revoked travel authorizations of dozens, including Brad Lander and American rabbis.
Blindspot
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued an October order directing administrative removal of activists deemed a public-order threat, according to Israeli officials.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.
History
In March-April 2002 Israel’s Operation Defensive Shield imposed curfews and barred NGOs, with the IDF arresting more than 700 people. The same security-driven approach reappeared in October 2026 when Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the detention of volunteers, including New York official Brad Lander. The United Nations warned that such actions constitute collective punishment and damage Israel’s diplomatic ties.
1 of 4
Collective Punishment Allegations
Israeli security forces detained about 90 U.S., Israeli and British volunteers helping Palestinians harvest olives near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on Oct. 27, 2026.
The arrests came as intensified Israeli raids displaced thousands, curbed movement, jeopardized livelihoods, disrupted schooling for hundreds of thousands, and may constitute collective punishment.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned Israeli raids in Hebron displaced about 5,000 Palestinians.
1 / 4
Israel Detains 90 U.S., British, Israeli Olive Volunteers | Drooid
