Israeli army, P.A. prepare for olive harvest

By · October 6, 2008

The Israeli army and Palestinian Authority officials have met to prepare for the olive harvesting season.

Palestinians will harvest olives from trees throughout the West Bank, including in areas on the Israeli side of the security fence. The harvest takes place from October through December.

According to the army spokesman’s office, some 3,000 Palestinian workers have received permits to work in Israeli areas of the West Bank. Israeli security forces, who authorized the plan for the harvest, will provide security.

Israeli authorities met with officials from the Palestinian Authority, including the P.A. Olive Oil department, as well as representatives of various Palestinian villages in formulating the plan.

Entry into certain areas during the harvest will require coordination with the Israel Defense Forces and Civil Administration. In addition, Israeli civilians in order to prevent friction will not be permitted to enter particular olive growing areas. Representatives of the Civil Administration, Israel Police and IDF will be present in these areas, according to the IDF spokesman’s office.

Israeli left-wing organizations are expected to be extensively involved in the Palestinian olive harvest. Their representatives agreed on guidelines with the Civil Administration agreed for their involvement.