In Southern Lebanon, Israeli Troops Strictly Limit Olive Harvest, Expel Workers

Starting in late September, the annual olive harvest is an economically important part of life for residents of many southern Lebanese towns and villages in the Autumn. This year, however, they’re finding themselves under serious limitations by the new Israeli military occupation.

Though the IDF made much of the idea that they’re allowing workers to harvest their olives as normal, at least on Army Radio, the reality on the ground in many areas is quite a bit different, with some localities told they only have a single day to do what is generally weeks and weeks of harvests, and that substantial limitations will be placed on them.

The villagers of Arqoub were told their harvest would be limited to a single day and a maximum of 100 people, who would also have to turn over their ID cards and phones during the harvest. They further added that no Lebanese Army or UNIFIL observers would be allowed at the harvest scene. The villagers, ultimately decided not to go at all.