British MPs detained and barred from entering West Bank ahead of Israeli elections

Four British politicians were detained for up to nine hours and denied entry into the West Bank by Israeli authorities while attempting to join an international delegation supporting Palestinian olive harvesters. The incident highlights heightened security measures surrounding Israel’s recent national elections.

What happened

The group, part of a Progressive International delegation comprising 23 members from countries including France, Spain, and the US, was prevented at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge checkpoint in Jordan. SNP MP Lara Bird, Labour MP Clive Lewis, Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens, and former Labour MP Sam Tarry reported being interrogated before being turned away. Bird stated the group intended "to stand alongside Palestinians being attacked for harvesting olives on their own land," while Lewis described the experience as "deeply unpleasant" with delegates being shouted at.

Context and Reaction

The exclusion occurred amid escalating violence against Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season. UN data records at least 160 settler attacks in early October, often involving Israeli forces. Israeli military officials cited increased security protocols for the Tuesday elections as the reason for closing land crossings. Tarry argued this was a political decision to prevent witnesses from observing conditions in the occupied territories. Despite the refusals, Laila Hazaineh of Progressive International affirmed that every denial of entry would only strengthen their determination to engage with Palestinian communities.

Key Points

• Duration: Delegates were held for eight to nine hours before being expelled.
• Reasoning: Israeli authorities cited election security; delegates claim censorship of occupation realities.
• Broader Impact: Similar detentions affected other activists, including US candidate Brad Lander.
• Solidarity: The delegation remains committed to visiting Palestine despite official barriers.