Israeli forces detained and released US congressional candidate Brad Lander and dozens of volunteers during a West Bank olive harvest near Nahalin.

On October 21, 2026, Israeli security forces detained roughly 80-90 volunteers, including New York Democratic congressional nominee Brad Lander, rabbis and activists, who were helping Palestinians harvest olives near Nahalin/Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Lander was released with a warning hours later; dozens of others remained in custody. Israel's Foreign Ministry called the trip a coordinated "stunt," while organizers said the harvest was peaceful and the area was declared a closed military zone without prior notice.