For the past few months, the IDF in coordination with the Civil Administration and the Israeli Police have been preparing for the annual olive harvest in the Judea and Samaria region. The harvest, beginning early October, is expected to last through December.
As part of the preparations, Civil Administration officials met with their Palestinian counterparts, representatives from various villages in the region, and Palestinian olive oil manufacturers in order to coordinate a schedule for the harvest. In addition, Israeli security forces conducted security assessments and authorized the plan for the harvest, during which they will provide round-the-clock security.
The IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) respect this mission with high importance and value, understand the cultural and economic significance of the olive harvest to the Palestinian people of the region, and will operate accordingly so as to allow for the harvest to occur.
Security forces will be spread throughout the region in order to prevent any harm to the olive groves and to the harvesters. In general, access to most olive fields in Judea and Samaria will not require advance coordination with the IDF or the Civil Administration. However, due to prevailing security conditions and past experiences, entry into a limited number of areas during the harvest will be coordinated with the IDF and Civil Administration.
In addition, Israeli civilians will not be permitted to enter particular olive fields so as to prevent friction between different populations. Representatives of the Civil Administration, Israel Police and IDF will be present in these areas.
This year, as in the past, various Israeli and international non-profit organizations are expected to be extensively involved in the Palestinian olive harvest. Representatives of the Civil Administration have met with representatives of these organizations and have agreed on guidelines for their activity during the olive harvest.
The IDF, COGAT and the Israeli Police will continue to safeguard Palestinian quality of life while fighting terrorism and ensuring the security of Israeli citizens.
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