France demands Israel arrest settlers after mayor attacked in West Bank

Summary

France’s foreign minister demanded that Israel arrest those responsible after Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, was attacked by settlers in the West Bank village of Taybeh on Saturday. Baudoux said the attack showed that Israel tolerates settler violence; he said he was thrown to the ground, kicked and beaten with iron bars, but suffered no serious injuries and continued his visit. He was visiting with diplomats while settlers tried to stop Palestinians from harvesting olives.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   17 Oct 2026, 17:09 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Baudoux said the attack showed Israel tolerates settler violence, and that settlers threw him to the ground, kicked him and beat him with iron bars.

2. Middle East Eye

   17 Oct 2026, 19:58 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded Israel arrest and bring to justice those responsible, after Baudoux was attacked during a visit to Taybeh with diplomats.

3. Al Jazeera

   18 Oct 2026, 16:25 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Baudoux said masked settlers attacked him during the occupied West Bank olive harvest.