IDF Detains US Activists, Including Former NYC Official, Near Bethlehem
IDF forces detained about 80 American activists, including former NYC comptroller Brad Lander, near Bethlehem for entering a closed military zone during an olive harvest.
IDF forces detained roughly 80 American volunteers and activists accompanying Palestinian farmers near the West Bank village of Nahalin on Wednesday morning, declaring the area a closed military zone. According to the Rabbis for Human Rights organization, the detainees included Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller and congressional candidate, who was later released with a warning.
The activists arrived early in the morning to assist with the olive harvest on land they claimed was inaccessible since October 7. Roughly two hours into the work, military forces arrived and issued a 24-hour closed military zone order. Activists stated they agreed to leave immediately, but soldiers detained the group for identification and photographed their documents.
Security sources noted that the site is adjacent to the city of Beitar Illit, requiring prior coordination. Officials added that the small plot did not necessitate 80 participants, though several harvest requests had been approved recently in the surrounding area.
Lander posted a photo on X from a bus alongside other detained activists, writing that olive harvesting is not a crime under international law.
