The IDF clarified Wednesday that the olive harvest near Beitar Illit in Judea, during which New York congressional candidate Brad Lander and dozens of other activists were detained, was unauthorized. According to the military, harvesting in the area requires advance coordination with Israeli authorities to ensure security and maintain public order. The participants failed to obtain the required authorization, prompting IDF soldiers, Border Police forces, and police officers to intervene.
The military emphasized that approximately 100 coordinated olive harvests have already taken place across Judea and Samaria this season, producing dozens of tons of olives without unusual incidents. The landowner was provided with contact information to arrange a future harvest, while the IDF reiterated that only authorized harvesters may enter designated agricultural areas.