Israeli Forces Uproot Olive Groves Across West Bank

The Government of Israel issued multiple military orders and deployed bulldozers to uproot olive trees and remove vegetation from Palestinian land across the West Bank in late September 2026. On September 24, forces uprooted more than 400 olive trees and razed 31 dunams of privately owned land in Beit Rima, following a military order issued two days prior.

Earlier operations targeted the village of Deir Nizam near Ramallah on September 21 and 22, where military bulldozers destroyed groves on family lands and between houses. Additionally, military orders were issued for the removal of vegetation from 339 dunams of land in Jenin, Qabatiya, and Beit Rima, including areas classified as Area B under the Oslo Accords. These actions follow a similar order last month targeting 310 dunams in the Jenin governorate.

Israeli military forces have previously justified these clearances as necessary to prevent security threats or ambushes. However, local officials and human rights groups characterize the actions as arbitrary measures intended to deprive farmers of their livelihoods. The olive sector is a critical economic pillar for Palestinians, accounting for approximately 8% of GDP and supporting over 60,000 jobs. Monitoring data indicates a broader trend, with 51 similar orders affecting approximately 2,093 dunams of land across the West Bank since the start of 2026.