The attack in Taybeh

On Saturday, 17 October 2026, a group of masked Israeli settlers attacked a convoy carrying European diplomats in Taybeh, a Palestinian village east of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Europa Press, citing Palestinian news agency WAFA and local sources, reported that the attackers were armed with batons and that they forced the passengers to show their identification. Israel's Army Radio confirmed the attack and said the convoy included diplomats from France, Belgium and Poland. It also linked the timing to the olive harvest in the area. Accounts differ on the size of the group, with one Italian report describing about ten masked men arriving on quad bikes, while Army Radio said seven settlers surrounded one vehicle.

Vehicles damaged and a French mayor hit

The rear window of a vehicle belonging to the Belgian consulate was smashed, and Army Radio said one of the convoy's vehicles was stoned. A video circulating on social media shows one diplomat thrown to the ground beside a car. AFP, citing a witness and two diplomatic sources, reported that Bernard Baudoux, communist mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, was struck during the attack. In a video reviewed by AFP, he is seen slumped on the ground against a car. A diplomat told AFP that his life is not in danger. Haaretz also reported that Baudoux was among those attacked, and activists on the ground cited the French consul in Jerusalem as present at the scene.

Israeli response

The Israel Defense Forces condemned the attack in strong terms and said the diplomatic visit had not been coordinated with the army, which it described as essential to preventing incidents of this kind. A preliminary review found that no soldiers were present when the attack took place, and the IDF said all circumstances would be examined. Police and IDF units went to the site after the attack.

Investigation and next steps

Israeli police opened an investigation after receiving the footage. They said the foreign ministry had been informed so that the victims could be located, their statements taken and the suspects identified and brought before the courts. Police also said they would act to ensure that everyone involved in the incidents is brought to justice. Reports from the scene describe the diplomats' convoy as a delegation that was on a visit to the West Bank when it was approached by the group of settlers.