IDF protects Palestinian olive picking ?

The complexity of the situation in this area is demonstrated by this
report. I know the person who wrote it and saw Israel TV 1 coverage of
this story that show it took place exactly as described below:



Dear friends,

I must share with you the information I just received in a phone call
from
Abdullah about the confrontations with the zealots setlers of
Tapuakh.

Abdullah just phoned to tell me that this morning they left their
homes early
and went to the olive groves nearby.
When they arrived there, armed settlers zealots were waiting for
them - as usual.
Shortly thereafter, the army was called in - as usual. And when the
commander arrived to speak with Abdullah, the officer explained that
the
army could not really guarantee the safety of the villagers in front
of the
guns and threats of the zealots; he recommeded that they return to
their
homes.

Abdullah and his townsmen explained to the soldiers that they were
here to
harvest their olives and, harvest their olives they would. The
soldiers job
was to protect them from the zealots and allow them to carry out
their
harvest; Abdullah and his townsmen requested that the soldiers do
their job
and allow the Palestinians to do their own. And so it was...... the
zealots
increased their threats, began to throw stones and to shout, but the
Palestinians and the activitsts with them proceeded to the trees and
the
harvest.

Throughout the day, olives were picked under the watchful protection
of the
IDF, while disgruntled zealots stood in the background, mumbling and
muttering, but unable to stop the sacred work from being performed.

Another day's work remains to be done and an agreement has been
reached with
the IDF that Friday and Saturday the townspeople will not come to the
groves
in order to allow the army to organize proper protection to be able
to
ensure that the remainder of the harvest can be tended to without
threats
from the zealots.

This agreed, Abdullah, his townsmen and the activists have now
returned
home, peacefully and very, very proud of the work that they
accomplished
this day. Abdullah called to ask me to share this story with everyone
and to
tell you all that on this day, many more Palestinians in Yasuf
understand
that peace IS possible with Israel, inspite of the zealots who would
make us
all believe differently.

We will continue this work and we will continue to do it together. We
will
continue to plan additional activities, Israelis and Palestinians
alike.
Where necessary, we will turn to the authorities for assistance and
protection from any zealot who would block the path to peace and a
better
future for our children that, together, we are building.

Blessed is the work of this day. May the fruits harvested lead only
to a
just peace!

From the people of Yasuf and their friends, brothers and sisters, the
people
of Israel

http://www.peacenow.org.il