Rabbi's ruling permitting Jews to pick Palestinian olives draws criticism

Summary

Israeli rabbi Dov Lior has ruled that Jews may pick olives from Palestinian-owned groves in the occupied West Bank, a decision that has drawn criticism. Middle East Eye reports that Lior said harvesting publicly asserts Jewish ownership and fulfills a religious duty, and that his ruling contradicts a letter from six other Israeli rabbis who called it theft. The Times of Israel says a moderate rabbinic group condemned the decision, arguing theft is forbidden from anyone, while Al Jazeera reports that Palestinians have also condemned it.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   16 Oct 2026, 18:22 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Dov Lior ruled on Friday that Jews may pick olives from Palestinian-owned groves, saying harvesting asserts Jewish ownership and fulfills a religious duty, contrary to a letter from six other rabbis who called it theft.

2. The Times of Israel

   17 Oct 2026, 01:24 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that Lior said eating Palestinian olives demonstrates Jewish ownership and fulfills a commandment, while a moderate rabbinic group said theft is forbidden from anyone.

3. Al Jazeera

   17 Oct 2026, 12:27 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Palestinians condemned the hardline rabbi's ruling on Palestinian olives.