Lander, a former New York City comptroller, was among over 40 international volunteers, including Americans and Israelis affiliated with human rights groups, who were harvesting olives for Palestinians. However, Israeli authorities took issue with their actions, claiming they were causing a disturbance to public order. Lander insisted that the group's intentions were peaceful and that all they were doing was assisting in the harvest.

Lander was later released with a warning after being detained by the IDF. Notably, it appears not everyone involved has been set free, as Beck Strober, a spokesperson for Protect the Harvest, one of the groups participating in the volunteer effort, reported that only four out of those detained remain in custody.

The group's Israeli members will face a 28-day ban from returning to the West Bank following their detention, according to Beck Strober, a spokesperson for Protect the Harvest. This restriction is likely to impact the group's volunteer efforts in the region.

Lander has expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that he tried to clarify his status as a primary winner rather than a member of Congress during his detention. His comments come amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny over his stance on Israel, which dominated his 10th district primary race against Rep. Dan Goldman.

The area where the group was volunteering had not been harvested since Hamas' October 7 attacks, with Palestinian farmers reportedly hesitant to tend to their olive trees due to the proximity of an Israeli settlement. The IDF has stated that harvesting in this region requires advance permission from relevant authorities.

Tensions in the occupied West Bank remain high following recent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and others. Last week saw multiple incidents, including one where Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was injured while covering an event. European diplomats were also targeted in another attack.

According to a United Nations report from July, over 900 Palestinians have been injured in settler attacks since the start of the year. The same report documented 76 Palestinian deaths in the occupied West Bank caused by Israeli forces or settlers, or resulting from injuries sustained during clashes with these groups. These incidents have added to the already volatile atmosphere in the region.

As tensions escalate, a group of volunteers, including Lander, were harvesting olives when they spotted what they believed was an Israeli settlement's security car watching them. Shortly after, IDF soldiers and police officers arrived at the scene, asking the group for their passports.

The group of harvesters and activists were then taken to a military station in the West Bank, where they were presumably questioned about their activities.

Rabbis affiliated with the organization that sponsored the trip to protect the olive harvest were also among those detained, according to a statement from the organization's communications firm.

NBC News Politics: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/new-york-congressional-candidate-brad-lander-detained-west-bank-rcna604741

The attack occurred during a sensitive period - the olive harvest season - and is just one example of rampant settler violence that continues to plague the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed that such incidents are carried out by a small number of troublemakers, but critics argue that this downplays the severity of the issue.

Photographer Heidi Levine was left shaken by the incident and expressed her disappointment in a statement from her hospital bed. She took particular umbrage with Netanyahu's characterization of the attack as "alleged, citing the overwhelming evidence of settler involvement.

Levine received an outpouring of support from Israel's president, who condemned the attack in a personal call to the injured photographer. Several top former security and intelligence officials also signed a letter expressing their collective shame over the incident.

As Netanyahu faces growing international pressure on issues related to the settlements, this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the contentious nature of the West Bank dispute. With just two weeks left until crucial elections, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu will address the concerns of his critics and the international community.

The olive harvest season has been marked by an alarming number of attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, with hundreds reportedly targeted and a few losing their lives.

Photographer Linda Levine was among those attacked last week, with rights groups pointing to the destruction of olive trees - a vital part of Palestinian heritage and history. These incidents have sparked widespread concern about the increasing violence against Palestinians.

Levine herself has been covering the region for over 40 years and expressed her dismay at the current state of affairs in Israel. She attributed the attack on her to Jewish terrorists and highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that she had never seen the country in such a poor condition before.

The incident has also drawn condemnation from various quarters, including U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who described it as a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. He emphasized that those responsible should face severe punishment, including lengthy prison sentences.

Visits from high-profile figures have been made to Levine in her recovery period, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and former general Yair Golan among them. Herzog's words were particularly noteworthy, as he expressed his shame over the attack and referred to the perpetrators as a stain on Israeli society".

Levine's efforts to document the escalating violence in the West Bank have not gone unnoticed by a group of former Israeli officials who are speaking out against the actions of extremist settlers.

A letter signed by over a dozen former security and intelligence officials, including Moshe Yaalon, Tamir Pardo, and Ami Ayalon, was shared with the AP. The letter expresses deep shame and regret that Jewish terrorists in the West Bank continue to inflict harm on innocent Palestinians.

The signatories acknowledge that the brutality of these acts brings disgrace upon Israel and the Jewish people, undermining its security, regional standing, and moral fabric. They also note that such actions represent a betrayal of everything they have dedicated their lives to defending.

The recent attack on a photographer by settlers in the West Bank has left many Palestinians wondering who will protect them from such violence. Rights groups have noted that few settlers are held accountable for their actions, despite an increase in attacks over the years.

Despite being physically assaulted, the photographer is determined to continue her work, saying she has invested decades of dedication into her craft and refuses to let the attack break her spirit. Her words seem to be a direct challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who she feels should take action to address the surge in settler violence.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/photographer-attacked-settlers-west-bank-feels-insulted-netanyahu-137363206

At least four people have been killed and over 100 injured since the olive harvest began earlier this month, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting a significant increase in violence during this period. Activists claim that Israeli authorities do not take adequate measures to prevent attacks involving weapons such as slingshots and guns.

The attack on European diplomats was particularly severe, targeting Belgium's consul general and Catholic representatives among others. The French mayor present at the scene was assaulted, and a Belgian vehicle sustained damage in the incident.

Video footage shared by an activist at the scene shows the French mayor leaning against a vehicle while seated on the ground, wearing a tricolor sash. Other clips depict masked men knocking on a driver's side window, asking for identification, as others carrying sticks approach in the distance.

The Belgian foreign minister has linked the attack to Israel's "illegal settlement policy" and pledged to push for further European Union sanctions against Israel. He also emphasized the need to end impunity for violent settlers involved in such attacks.

The masked settlers' attack on European diplomats has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the security situation in the occupied West Bank.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers threatened to kill the diplomats during the violent incident on Saturday. This brazen act of aggression has left many questioning the government's ability to maintain law and order in the region.

The timing of the attack is particularly significant, coming just weeks before Israel's closely contested elections. The Netanyahu government, criticized for its handling of security and treatment of Palestinians, faces growing pressure from domestic critics and international observers.

Israeli authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with police vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the attack, describing it as a severe act of violence carried out by Israeli rioters.

The Netanyahu government's response to the attack has been met with skepticism, with some accusing officials of trying to downplay the severity of the incident and deflect attention from their own policies.

The attack on European diplomats by masked settlers in the occupied West Bank has sent shockwaves across the international community. The incident has been described as a form of "Jewish terror" by Israeli General Gadi Eisenkot, echoing the sentiments expressed by photographer Heidi Levine, who was herself targeted in the assault.

Levine, speaking from her hospital bed, expressed her dismay at Prime Minister Netanyahu's characterization of the attack as an alleged one. With over 40 years of experience covering the region, she described the current state of Israel as unprecedented and disturbing. Her account serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions in the area.

The West Bank settlements, which are considered illegal by the United Nations and much of the international community, continue to expand with hundreds of unauthorized outposts established by settlers. Despite their lack of government approval, these outposts receive protection from the Israeli military, further exacerbating the situation.

The occupation of the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, dates back to the 1967 Mideast war, where Israel captured these territories. The Palestinians have long sought a future state encompassing these areas, but the ongoing settlement expansion has made this goal increasingly unlikely.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/masked-settlers-attack-european-diplomats-occupied-west-bank-137348438

Zacharia's tenure was marked by controversy from the start. She held only one press briefing on Tuesday, which drew attention from just three news outlets. This limited engagement suggests she struggled to establish herself in her new role. Her defense of being a lawyer despite lacking bar certification has raised eyebrows within the legal community.

In California, multiple large brush fires are forcing residents to evacuate their homes. A blaze in Malibu prompted evacuation orders and warnings for those living in the Santa Monica Mountains. Another fire burned several homes in Orange County, with power companies shutting off service to tens of thousands of customers.

The West Bank is also witnessing unrest as Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians collecting their autumn olive harvest. Dozens of cars and trees were set ablaze during the violence, which has sparked outrage among Palestinian communities. The situation remains tense, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.

Strong Santa Ana winds have been making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour in some areas.

The hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, further increasing the risk of fires spreading.

In a separate incident, violence erupted in the West Bank as dozens of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians gathered for their autumn olive harvest. The settlers set cars and trees ablaze, while masked men chased and beat people with gas canisters.

More than a dozen people were injured across at least eight villages, including American photojournalist Heidi Levine from The Washington Post. She described the attackers as "monsters who are giving Israel a bad name worldwide.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence but questioned the circumstances surrounding the assault, saying they remain unclear and under investigation, while The Washington Post expressed outrage over the attack on one of their journalists.

President Trump has expressed his disapproval of Ukraine's decision to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling it a disgrace". This move comes after a brief pause in such attacks following Trump's declaration of an energy cease-fire on Sunday.

However, Russia continued its own strikes despite the temporary halt by Ukraine. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in intense military activities, with Kyiv facing significant challenges in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening in Ukraine, with reports emerging that at least 15 people were injured nationwide due to recent Russian attacks. Furthermore, a sharp increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties has been reported over the past few weeks, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that Pope Leo held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, during which he expressed his deep concern for the humanitarian situation in the occupied town of Oleshky near the front lines.

The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the Vatican's call for humanitarian aid to reach residents in a occupied town.

Meanwhile, new images of Pope Leo have been released by the Vatican, showing him celebrating mass at a hospital in Rome where he is being treated following his recent lung cancer surgery. Church officials indicate that Pope Leo plans to deliver traditional prayers this Sunday, although it remains unclear whether he will do so from the Vatican or remotely from the hospital.

PBS NewsHour Politics: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-zacharia-out-as-white-house-press-secretary-after-less-than-a-week-on-the-job

The coordinated attack was part of a rising trend of settler violence during the olive harvest season in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to eyewitnesses, dozens of masked and black-clad militants descended from a hill above a terraced olive grove where villagers were gathered to pick ripe fruit.

Some 80 settlers, including those carrying gas canisters, took positions in front of the lanes of olive trees, using slings to launch rocks towards Palestinian villagers. The villagers responded by throwing stones to defend themselves as tensions escalated.

The attack occurred during a cherished annual tradition in Palestinian life, where families gather to harvest olives from their land. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with settlers burning olive trees and throwing rocks at Palestinians.

The injured American journalist is a photographer for The Washington Post, but details about his condition are not immediately available.

The violence escalated as Israeli soldiers and border police arrived on the scene, but instead of intervening, they joined in the assault against the Palestinian villagers. The sound of live gunfire filled the air, causing even more panic among those caught in the crossfire.

Witnesses described seeing at least one armed settler firing a gun during the attack, while others reported that Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters into the crowd. The chaos was intense, with people running for their lives as the situation rapidly spiralled out of control.

The Israeli military claimed that its troops had deployed to the area in response to a perceived threat and had fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. However, Palestinian medics reported two injuries among the villagers, with both individuals being taken to hospitals in Ramallah.

Video footage from the scene showed Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for The Washington Post, lying on her side on a dirt path as she shielded herself from the chaos around her. At least three settlers surrounded her, while others were seen fleeing the area amidst the gunfire and tear gas.

The Israeli military's statement downplayed the severity of the situation, describing the firing of warning shots and towards an individual who was perceived to be a threat as necessary measures to maintain security in the region. However, Palestinian officials condemned the attack as another example of Israel's ongoing efforts to incite violence against its civilian population.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season, with many accusing the government of turning a blind eye to these incidents. The latest attack has sparked widespread outrage among Palestinians and their international supporters, who are demanding greater action from the international community to address Israel's ongoing human rights abuses in the occupied territories.

Levine's harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists reporting in the West Bank. The Washington Post photographer was attacked by Israeli settlers while covering the olive harvest, a critical time for Palestinian farmers who rely on their crops to make a living.

The attack left Levine with injuries, but fortunately she was wearing a flak jacket and helmet that helped protect her from more severe harm. Her colleagues intervened quickly to stop the assault, which allowed medics to rush her to a clinic in Abu Falah before transferring her to a hospital in Ramallah for further treatment.

As news of the attack spread, Washington Post executives expressed outrage at the incident. In a statement, executive editor Matt Murray called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing that Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist and therefore entitled to protection.

The Israeli settler violence against Palestinians has seen a significant surge in recent weeks, with over 170 incidents recorded since September 27, according to monitoring group Yesh Din. This escalation is attributed to the influence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, which has overseen a rapid expansion of settlements and smaller outposts across the West Bank.

The international community has been increasingly critical of Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, with some longtime allies considering sanctions.

This criticism is largely driven by the fact that the West Bank is home to both over 500,000 settlers and a population of at least three million Palestinians, with most countries deeming the settlements illegal under international law regarding military occupations.

The recent attacks on Palestinian farmers in the Turmus Ayya village, including one where settlers burned three cars after attacking a group of olive harvesters, have drawn widespread condemnation.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261016-us-journalist-injured-during-israeli-settler-attack-on-west-bank-olive-harvest