IDF allows Lebanese, Syrian workers into northern security zone to harvest olives - report

According to Army Radio, although most of the villages where the harvest is taking place are Christian, at least one, Kfarchouba, is a Sunni village where Hezbollah terror activity has been recorded.

The IDF has allowed Lebanese and Syrian olive harvesters to enter the Yellow Line security zone in southern Lebanon, Army Radio reported Sunday.

According to Army Radio, although most of the villages where the harvest is taking place are Christian, at least one, Kfarchouba, is a Sunni village where Hezbollah terror activity has been recorded and where the IDF has killed a number of terrorists throughout the war.

The IDF confirmed that the harvests took place in "several Christian villages" but did not mention Kfarchouba.

The IDF also stated that workers entering the area were subject to "required security checks and authorizations," without specifying the nature of these security checks, and that the work, entry, and exit were conducted under IDF supervision.

"This activity takes place in accordance with an operational situation assessment, while ensuring the safety of the forces and the residents of northern Israel," the military said. "The IDF is acting in accordance with the ceasefire agreement to ensure the security of the residents of the north."

IDF prepares for West Bank olive harvest amid concerns of violence

Earlier this month, the IDF's Central Command completed preparations across all its units for the coordinated Palestinian olive harvest in the West Bank, amid growing concerns over nationalist violence, terrorist attacks, and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers.

The preparations are intended to prevent friction between Palestinian and Israeli populations during the coordinated olive harvest in Areas A and B. The harvest season is considered a sensitive period from a security standpoint, with growing concerns over nationalist crime and terrorist attacks.

According to a military source familiar with preparations for the coming week, the period presents several major challenges. Violent groups on both sides, including extremist anarchists and radical settlement activists, have decided to disrupt this year's olive harvests in the West Bank.